Last week, EUBAM Rafah hosted the first visit of the newly created Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) of the European Parliament. Six MEPs, led by Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, visited Israel and Palestine from 5 to 8 February 2025.
MEPs praised the contribution of the EU’s two CSDP missions in the region, EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS. In particular, MEPs welcomed the redeployment of EUBAM Rafah to the Rafah crossing point following an Israeli and Palestinian request, and with the agreement of Egypt, demonstrating the EU’s readiness to play a concrete role in supporting the ceasefire. They were briefed on the latest developments by EUBAM Head of Mission Natalyia Apostolova.
During their visit MEPs also held discussions with Israeli and Palestinian authorities as well as civil society and international partners working in the security and defence sector.
