26.05.2011 EUBAM Rafah mission extended until 31 December 2011

On 26 May 2011, the Council of the EU has adopted a decision extending the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point between Egypt and Gaza, until 31 December 2011. The decision was adopted by written procedure.

On 23 May 2011, the Council had reaffirmed, in its conclusions on Middle East Peace Process, the EU readiness to reactivate the EUBAM Rafah Mission, once political and security conditions allow, in order to ensure the EU third party role at the Rafah crossing point, as set out in the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.

Background

The EUBAM Rafah mission was launched in 2005 to provide a third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point in order to contribute to the opening of the crossing point and to build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, in cooperation with the European Union's institution-building efforts. Despite the closure of the Rafah Crossing Point following the Hamas take-over of the GazaStrip in 2007. EUBAM has maintained full operational capability, ready to redeploy atshort notice, should circumstances allow.