On May 27, 2024, the European Union (EU) announced plans to revive its civilian mission at Rafah, a key city in the southern Gaza Strip bordering Egypt. This decision emerged from a meeting of EU foreign ministers, led by the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell. The mission, known as the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) Rafah, has been inactive since 2007 when Hamas took full control of Gaza. Reviving this mission aims to facilitate the movement of people and aid through the Rafah crossing, the primary entry point from Egypt into Gaza. However, Borrell emphasized that the mission’s activation would require agreements from all parties involved, including the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and Israel. He made it clear that the EU does not intend to act as a security provider independently. This cautious approach highlights the complex geopolitical environment and the need for cooperation to ensure the mission’s success. Currently, the mission’s full deployment is contingent on the cessation of hostilities in Rafah, where recent Israeli airstrikes have intensified the conflict.
The decision to revive the Rafah mission coincides with Borrell’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Borrell accused Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for political gain. This accusation followed the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israel’s defense minister, and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also recently ordered Israel to halt its offensive on Rafah, a directive Israel has rejected, claiming its actions do not unlawfully threaten civilians. The EU’s move comes in response to ongoing violence in Rafah, where Israeli airstrikes recently killed at least 45 Palestinians in a tent camp, prompting global condemnation. Borrell accused Israel of continuing military actions in southern Gaza despite the ICJ ruling, raising further international concerns. In parallel, the EU-Israel Council, the body coordinating trade between the EU and Israel, has agreed to meet for the first time to discuss the Gaza situation, human rights, and the ICJ ruling’s impact on their association agreement.
Borrell also criticized Netanyahu’s labeling of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s decision to seek arrest warrants as evidence of “new antisemitism.” Borrell condemned this as intimidation, arguing that accusations of antisemitism are frequently used by Netanyahu to discredit actions or decisions he opposes. This accusation underscores the tension between the EU and Israel, particularly regarding the handling of legal and human rights issues in Gaza. The EU’s plans to revive the Rafah mission reflect a broader strategy to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while navigating the complex political landscape. The mission’s success will depend on diplomatic negotiations and cooperation from all parties involved, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to conflict resolution and humanitarian aid in the region.
