The Guardian / January 31, 2025
A European Union civilian mission was deployed Friday to prepare Rafah crossing, a major crossing into Gaza, for the movement of Palestinians out of Gaza, the EU foreign policy chief said.
Kaja Kallas said on X that the mission would “support Palestinian border personnel and allow the transfer of individuals out of Gaza, including those who need medical care.”
The mission arrives as the first group of Palestinian patients are set to leave Gaza through the crossing this Saturday, according to Palestinian health officials.
The reopening of the crossing, closed since Israel began its offensive on Rafah in May 2024, marks a major step in the implementation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Egyptian officials on Tuesday said a delegation from the EU commission and the Palestinian Authority would meet next week in Rafah to discuss how to operate the crossing.
Before Israeli troops captured the crossing, Rafah was the only point where Palestinians could exit the strip during the war.
