EU to hold discussions on Rafah mission; Borrell condemns Netanyahu’s actions in Israel

The European Union is set to push ahead with an EU border mission at Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, as tensions escalate in the region. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, made the announcement ahead of a monthly meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday.

The mission, known as the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah, has not been operational since 2007 when Hamas seized control of Gaza. The EU is now considering reviving the mission to address the current situation at the Rafah crossing, which is a crucial entry point for aid from Egypt.

Borrell emphasized that the decision to move forward with the mission would require approval from Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinians. The civilian mission would also need unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states.

The timing of the mission’s implementation remains uncertain, with Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg noting that it would take time for a decision to be put in place. Diplomats suggest that the mission is unlikely to be operational until hostilities in Rafah cease.

Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes in the Rafah area have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens. Borrell condemned Israel’s military actions in southern Gaza, accusing the country of disregarding the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt the assault.

The situation remains tense as the EU considers its next steps in response to the escalating conflict in the region.