The European Union Civilian Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) is once again monitoring the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a key entry and exit point for the Palestinian territory, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kalas said today.
"Europe is here to help: an EU civilian border mission is deploying today at the Rafah crossing at the request of the Palestinians and Israelis. It will support Palestinian border staff and facilitate the transfer of individuals from Gaza, including those in need of medical care," Kalas wrote on X.
The Gaza Strip's Health Ministry announced that the first Palestinians, injured civilians and fighters, will enter Egypt on Saturday through the Rafah Crossing, which has been closed to human traffic since May last year.
People will only be allowed to travel in one direction for now: from Gaza to Egypt, officials said.
Egyptian security sources confirmed that members of the EU team had arrived, Reuters reports.
The crossing will now be manned by Palestinian Authority personnel and European monitors, Palestinian Authority and Hamas officials said.
It will be opened initially for 50 injured militants and 50 wounded civilians, as well as their escorts. They added that another 100 people, most likely students, will be allowed in for humanitarian reasons.
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