Newsletters
The European Union has redeployed its civilian border mission to the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which reopened Monday for passenger traffic after nearly two years of Israeli closure, an EU Commission spokesperson confirmed.
The EUBAM Rafah mission, deployed Sunday, will facilitate passenger flow and support Palestinian border personnel in carrying out operations at the crossing point. The reopening marks the first time in nearly two years that the vital gateway has allowed movement in both directions.
"This reopening, together with the redeployment of our mission, marks a significant step in implementing the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict," said spokesperson Anouar El Anouni.
According to Israeli media, approximately 150 Palestinians will be permitted to leave Gaza daily, while 50 will be allowed to enter through the crossing. The restrictions come as Gaza health officials estimate around 22,000 patients are waiting for the crossing to fully reopen so they can seek medical treatment abroad.
Israel captured the Rafah crossing in May 2024, seven months into its military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 71,000 people and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023, according to Gaza authorities.
The terminal was scheduled to reopen under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire that began on Oct. 10, 2025. However, Israel refused to open the crossing until it received the remains of its last captive in Gaza, which occurred last week.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel has continued military operations in Gaza, killing 524 people and injuring 1,360 others since October 10, according to Gaza's media office.
1 min read
El Anouni characterized the EU's presence at Rafah as part of the bloc's efforts to implement the Gaza peace plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. He described the mission as a concrete contribution to the peace plan and part of the EU's "toolbox" to stabilize the region.
"The EU has been stressing how crucial it is to consolidate the current fragile ceasefire and to avoid having further casualties," he said.
The EU also reaffirmed its opposition to demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2735, and emphasized the importance of unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. El Anouni noted that the Trump peace plan has stated that Israel will not occupy or annex the Gaza Strip.
Separately, EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren urged Israeli authorities to guarantee free and safe access for foreign independent media to Gaza.
"First-hand reporting is necessary for accurate and timely coverage, and to help ensuring transparency in a context where already too many journalists have been killed," she wrote on X, the social media platform.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
