Brussels: The European Union is in discussions to potentially redeploy its monitoring mission to Rafah, a crucial city in the southern Gaza Strip that witnessed the onset of an Israeli offensive last May. This announcement was made by the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, on Friday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas revealed through X that she recently hosted Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels, mere hours following the announcement of an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. She expressed optimism about the deal, describing it as a possible 'step towards lasting peace,' while also acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
Kallas emphasized the EU's readiness to extend support through humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and recovery efforts. She announced a commitment of a new £120 million aid package for Gaza and mentioned ongoing discussions about the redeployment of the EU's monitoring mission to Rafah to ensure border stability. The civilian EU mission, initially established in 2005 to monitor the Rafah crossing, was suspended in 2007 following the formation of a Hamas government in the enclave.
The EU Commission had earlier announced the humanitarian aid package for the Palestinian people in Gaza, totaling approximately $123.4 million. This brings the EU's total humanitarian assistance to Gaza to over £450 million ($462.9 million) since 2023. The commitment also includes the EU Air Bridge Flights, which have so far delivered over 3,800 tons of aid.
In a related development, Qatar announced late Wednesday a three-phase ceasefire agreement intended to end over 15 months of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday. Since October 7, 2023, nearly 46,800 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in what has been described by local health authorities as Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.
The situation further escalated when the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.