The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is poised to resume operations, facilitated by European Union observers, following necessary preparations on the Palestinian side.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced that while Egypt has completed its preparations for reopening the Rafah crossing, the Palestinian side is still finalizing its arrangements. He noted that the Israeli military had previously destroyed several facilities on the Palestinian side, contributing to the delay. Once these preparations are complete, the crossing will operate under the supervision of European Union observers.
The Rafah crossing has been closed since May 24 of the previous year, following its occupation and partial destruction by the Israeli army. In the interim, humanitarian aid has been entering Gaza through the Karm Abu Salem crossing, also known as Kerem Shalom.
A ceasefire agreement, effective from January 19, includes provisions for the daily entry of approximately 600 aid trucks into Gaza and the reopening of the Rafah crossing on the seventh day of the ceasefire. However, the necessary arrangements for the crossing’s reopening are still underway.
The European Union’s involvement in monitoring the Rafah crossing aligns with its broader efforts to support peace and stability in the region. The EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at Rafah was initially established in 2005 but was suspended in 2007 following Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip. Recent discussions indicate a renewed commitment to redeploy this mission to facilitate the movement of people and goods, thereby supporting the ceasefire and addressing humanitarian needs.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is anticipated to significantly enhance the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, alleviating some of the hardships faced by the Palestinian population due to prolonged conflict and blockade.
