EU to restart mission at Gaza’s Rafah crossing

The European Union will redeploy its monitoring mission at Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt, suspended since 2007 when Hamas took control of Gaza, AFP reports. The decision, announced by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas Monday, supports the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following their 15-month conflict. Starting in February, the mission will facilitate the daily transit of up to 300 wounded individuals for medical care, addressing a critical humanitarian need. 

The mission, involving 10 European and 8 local staff, will operate with security assistance from Italy, Spain, and France. It was requested by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with Egypt’s backing. The truce has already seen staggered exchanges of hostages and prisoners, including the release of 33 hostages and 1,900 Palestinian detainees.

The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s crucial link to the outside world, is central to easing the region’s humanitarian crisis as the ceasefire enters its second week.