EU Foreign Policy Chief Announces Talks to Restart Rafah Border Mission

Synopsis

The EU is set to continue providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, with discussions ongoing for the redeployment of a monitoring mission at the Rafah border crossing. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of stability and cooperation with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Egypt in this initiative.

Key Takeaways

EU's Commitment: The EU will continue humanitarian support for Gaza.
Monitoring Mission: Talks to redeploy a mission at Rafah are underway.
Ceasefire Agreement: Cooperation follows a recent ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
Logistical Efforts: Egypt is preparing aid delivery to Gaza.
Financial Aid: A new aid package of 120 million euros has been pledged.

Brussels, Jan 18 (NationPress) The European Union will persist in its efforts to extend humanitarian assistance to Gaza and is presently engaged in negotiations to reinstate a mission aimed at monitoring the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, announced EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

During a press briefing following her meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels, Kallas, who holds the position of EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, stated, "We are actively discussing the reestablishment of our monitoring mission at Rafah to maintain stability at the border."

She noted that the redeployment would necessitate formal invitations from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, along with a cooperative agreement with Egypt. This initiative was announced shortly after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement, which is set to commence on Sunday, as reported by Xinhua.

Initially, in 2005, the EU initiated a civilian mission at Rafah, the sole border crossing between Egypt and Gaza; however, this mission was only operational for a year and a half.

Kallas also confirmed that the EU would continue to assist Gaza through humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and recovery efforts, emphasizing a recently pledged 120 million euros (approximately $123.5 million) aid package.

She expressed support for the ceasefire agreement, stating, "This agreement may represent a step towards achieving lasting peace, but we are all aware that numerous challenges remain ahead."

Previously, Egyptian authorities have been ramping up efforts to deliver aid in the North Sinai province, which borders Gaza, in anticipation of the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the only route connecting the Gaza Strip to Egypt.

In the Egyptian city of Arish, located near the Rafah crossing, dozens of aid truck drivers are poised to receive authorization to transport supplies to the beleaguered enclave that has endured hardships for over 15 months.

A security source indicated that at least 500 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing, alongside the Israeli Karm Abu Salem border crossing, with Egyptian authorities having established several logistical centers.

The long-anticipated truce agreement between Hamas and Israel, finalized in Doha on Wednesday, is expected to be implemented on Sunday.