The European External Action Service (EEAS) has announced in a press release that it is deploying a high level diplomatic mission between 15 and 18 November, in view of a possible redeployment of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at Rafah.
"We are deploying a high-level diplomatic mission this week to discuss with key interlocutors on the ground the political and security conditions and the expectations of the relevant parties in view of a possible redeployment of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at Rafah, including possible EU financial assistance", the EEAS announced in a press release. An EU spokesperson furthermore told EUROPE that the mission, comprising members of the EEAS, would be on the ground from 15 to 18 November. When asked about the people with whom meetings would be held there, the spokesperson did not reply.
The EUBAM Rafah mission was established in 2005 to help the Palestinian Authority have effective control at Rafah. It was then put on standby in 2007 with the arrival to power of Hamas in Gaza, although it has always been renewed since then but in a reduced format.
In its press release, the EEAS states that the opening of all crossing points under the management and control of the Palestinian Authority will be crucial for freedom of movement for the people of Gaza and for enabling the Palestinian Authority to resume its full responsibilities in Gaza and achieve intra-Palestinian reconciliation. "We expect all Palestinian factions to work together in good faith towards that goal, and to refrain from any irresponsible actions or rhetoric that could distract from this important process and that would jeopardise collective efforts to improve the situation of the people of Gaza", the spokesperson said.
The next meeting of the Palestinian factions in Cairo is planned for 21 November. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)