Borrell criticizes Netanyahu, proposes EU border mission at Rafah
The European Union is set to discuss reviving its European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at Rafah, the primary crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which has been non-operational since 2007.
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This move comes amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with tens of thousands of Palestinians facing severe shortages due to the ongoing Israeli siege and military actions.
Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, announced the potential decision ahead of a monthly meeting of EU foreign ministers. He also sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of exploiting accusations of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for political gain.
"The European Union aims to agree in principle to press ahead with an EU border mission at Rafah," Borrell stated. "Today we can have a political decision and then it needs to be implemented technically," he added, noting that the mission's reactivation would require the consent of Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinian authorities.
The Rafah crossing has been a critical entry point for aid from Egypt but has remained closed for nearly three weeks since Israeli forces assumed control. The blockade has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where indiscriminate warfare has led to severe food shortages and threats of famine.
The EUBAM mission, which was suspended after Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, would need unanimous approval from the 27 EU member states to be reestablished. The mission's role and structure would have to be updated to address the current volatile conditions.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg indicated that while the political decision could be made soon, the actual deployment would take time and would likely not occur until hostilities in Rafah cease. "Israel has yet to consolidate a 'day-after' plan for Gaza, so there is no formal position on this initiative," an Israeli official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The European Union's deliberation on EUBAM comes as it seeks to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the conflict and restore a degree of stability at the Rafah crossing, crucial for delivering aid and easing the plight of Gaza's residents. (ILKHA)
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