The Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt is set to reopen on Friday, under the supervision of a multinational European force, as part of a broader effort to facilitate humanitarian aid and ensure security in the region.

This move comes as a key provision of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which took effect on January 19. The agreement mandates that 600 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies will enter Gaza daily, with the Rafah crossing reopening exactly seven days after the ceasefire begins.

According to the agreement, the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) will oversee the crossing, in coordination with Palestinian personnel from Gaza who are unaffiliated with Hamas. These individuals, reportedly approved by Israel, are believed to be connected to the Palestinian Authority (PA) but will operate without direct official oversight from the PA.

A senior European official confirmed that the EUBAM force will play a pivotal role in the first phase of the ceasefire implementation, ensuring safe and efficient border operations. The European Union is set to deploy around 100 border officers to the site, supported by trained security dogs and additional guard personnel for protection.

The reopening of Rafah aims to enhance humanitarian relief efforts, particularly for wounded individuals seeking medical treatment outside Gaza. The agreement permits members of Hamas’s military wing who were injured during the war to travel abroad for medical care, with guaranteed re-entry into Gaza upon recovery.

Officials expect that around 200 Palestinians will be allowed to cross daily into Egypt, with priority given to injured individuals and their companions. This is part of a broader international effort to restore stability to the region and address pressing humanitarian needs.

Security measures at the crossing will be significantly reinforced. All travelers will undergo strict security screening, including identity verification and weapons checks to prevent unauthorized activities.

On the Palestinian side, the Palestinian Authority will provide personnel to monitor the crossing and ensure compliance with security protocols. The European force, working alongside these Palestinian officers, will be responsible for maintaining order and securing the flow of individuals and goods.

The EUBAM mission was initially established in 2005 to support the Palestinian Authority in managing the Rafah crossing. However, its operations ceased in 2007 following Hamas’ takeover of Gaza. The decision to reactivate EUBAM comes after Israeli requests and international backing, with support from Egypt and the United States, both of whom view the European force as a trusted entity to oversee border security.

The move aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to establish a stable framework for post-war governance in Gaza, ensuring controlled movement across the border while addressing security concerns from all involved parties.

As the Rafah crossing reopens under international supervision, its effectiveness in facilitating aid, securing civilian movement, and maintaining regional stability will be closely watched. The success of this initiative could play a critical role in shaping future international involvement in Gaza’s governance and rebuilding efforts. (ILKHA)