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On Monday, 16 December 2024, as part of the visit of a European Diplomatic Academy cohort of young diplomats to the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) / Civilian Operations Headquarters for civilian CSDP missions, the Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah, Ms. Nataliya Apostolova, provided an overview of the mission and discussed its current operational challenges while participating online.

From November 25 to November 28, 2024, the GABC Training Center in Jericho hosted a specialized Document Control (Refreshment) course aimed at enhancing the skills of 16 GABC staff members. Under the guidance of expert trainer Jos Braker (EUBAM Visiting Expert) and co-trainer Mr. Azzam Abo Hijleh (GABC Border Police), this intensive four-day course focused on refreshing participants' knowledge and improving their ability to conduct effective document controls.

Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise): I am Italian and have had the privilege of working with the Italian Customs Agency since 1995. Over the past 20+ years, I have gained extensive experience in strategic planning, coordination, and event organization. My professional journey took me abroad early on, where I worked as an expert and coordinator in various international projects, including twinning initiatives with countries such as Turkey, Kosovo, and Albania.

In an era where progress towards gender equality is often celebrated, we must confront an inconvenient truth: violence against women remains a global epidemic that demands urgent action. The European Union (EU), as one of the world's most significant political and economic entities, has both the responsibility and the power to lead the charge in eliminating this violence. But despite years of policy advancements, the fight is far from over. In fact, gender-based violence is on the rise in many places, online and offline.

Break the Silence. End the Violence.

"We need to foster a culture where violence against women and girls is not tolerated, where survivors feel supported to come forwards, and where perpetrators are held accountable" - says EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission Nataliya Apostolova, in support of victims of violence alongside leaders from EU Civilian Crisis Management Missions deployed around the world.

On 31 October, Nataliya Apostolova, Head of Mission for EUBAM Rafah, met with a delegation of 11 Members of National Parliaments from five EU member states. The meeting focused on the mission’s mandate, current security challenges, operational activities, and its future role in the region.

On 17 October 2024, Nataliya Apostolova, Head of Mission for EUBAM Rafah, briefed the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) on the mission’s security challenges and operational activities. The briefing provided an opportunity to engage with MEPs and discuss EUBAM Rafah’s core mandate, support for the Palestinian Authority’s border management capacity, and cooperation with the General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC).

From 25 to 29 August 2024, border expert from EUBAM Rafah conducted a refresher training course on identity (travel) document control for 15 personnel from the Palestinian General Administration for Borders and Crossing (GABC) in Jericho, including 4 women.

The training focused on enhancing the participants' ability to detect fraudulent documents using direct observation techniques and essential tools such as loupes and UV lamps.

On June 27th 2024, 13 employees from the General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC) concluded the third and last session of a training course on Media and Digital Communication.

The project, held in cooperation with the Ro’ya Media Academy, included GABC staff from Media Team, International Relations, Customs and Border Police and tackled topics such as Technical Skills in Digital Media, Mobile Journalism and News Writing and Press Releases.

From 3^rd to 6^th of June, EUBAM Rafah organised a Training on Counterfeit and Dangerous Medicines in Rome, Italy in collaboration with the Italian Customs and Monopolies