What’s happening
The European Union is assessing the possibility of playing a monitoring role at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt after the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Why it matters
If the EU takes on this responsibility, it would enhance border security and stability, potentially supporting peace efforts and enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gaza more efficiently.
Historical context
The EU previously established a mission in 2005 to monitor this crossing, but suspended it two years later when Hamas took control of Gaza.
Current developments
A senior EU official confirmed receipt of requests from various parties, including Israel, to explore renewing the mission. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell may get the go-ahead from European ministers in Brussels on Monday to develop options for this redeployment.
Points of caution
A European diplomat emphasized that the EU is in the early stages of considering this mission, which cannot proceed under ongoing war conditions but could be implemented once peace is restored.
Temporary measures
The Rafah border crossing has remained closed since Israel initiated operations to control the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing on May 7. Egypt has decided not to reopen Rafah until Israeli forces withdraw from the area, aiming to avoid appearing complicit in the military operations.
Humanitarian efforts
Israel and the US have encouraged Egypt to transfer accumulating aid intended for Gaza into Israel for distribution through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Following discussions with US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi agreed to temporarily allow this aid transfer on Friday, pending the creation of appropriate legal frameworks for reopening Rafah.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.