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On January 25th, the Head of European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Rafah) Mrs. Natalina CEA presented at the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) the Six Monthly Report of EUBAM Rafah Mission concerning the activities implemented by the Mission from June to November 2016, along with the main challenges and objectives ahead.

On the 16 of December 2016, The Head of EUBAM Rafah Mission, Mrs. Natalina Cea, participated  in the video conference organized by EEAS attended by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - Mrs. Federica Mogherini and the sixteen EUCSDP Operations and Missions. DSG Mr. Pedro Serrano, Mr. Kenneth Dean, Civ.ops Commander/CPCC Director and Mr. Gabor Ikloy, Director of CMPD, participated in the video conference. The HoM briefed Ms.

On 7 December 2016, the Information Technology Project, to be implemented by EUBAM Rafah during the current mandate, started at the Palestinian General Administration for Border and Crossing (GABC) premises. During the kick off meeting attended by GABC managers and EUBAM staff and experts, the Head of Mission, Natalina Cea, underlined the importance of this opportunity as a basic step for the implementation of the IBM and Business strategies.

On 8 November 2016,  the Head of EU border assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), Ms. Natalina Cea, visited Gaza Strip, together with the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah and met with Palestinian ministers and representatives of Palestinian civil society.

The group, composed of more than 20 senior European diplomats, also met with senior UNRWA Officials and visited a school in Beit Hanoun, north of Gaza Strip. 

On 17 October 2016, EU border assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah), concluded a year-long training activities with the General Administration for Border and Crossing (GABC). The activities were focused on further enhancing the capability of GABC staff in order to conduct effective and efficient controls at the Rafa Border Crossing Point between Gaza Strip and  Egypt.  During the Jericho-based ceremony, Head of EUBAM Rafah Mission, Mrs.

On 28 May 2016, EUPOL COPPS and EUBAM Rafah participated in the European Union Open Day organised in Brussels. This was an excellent occasion to present both missions activities to a broad audience. EUPOL COPPS Deputy Head of Mission Lena Larsson was accompanied by Lt. Col. Tareq Dawabshah, Director of the International Communication and Liaison Unit of the Palestinian Civil Police and by Mr. Yousef Abdelsamad, Head of International Relations of the Minister of Justice to answer the numerous questions of the public.

On 24 May 2016, EUBAM Rafah organized its annual Medal Parade, a yearly occasion to reward the Mission’s team for the work accomplished with the Palestinian counterparts and international stakeholders. This year, the Mission was honored by the presence of representatives from the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv, the EULEX mission, the European Gendarmerie Force, as well as the Head and Deputy Head of EUPOL COPPS mission. In her speech, the Head of Mission Ms.

The Council prolonged the mandate of the EU border assistance mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) as well as the mandate of the police mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) until 30 June 2017. These missions are part of the wider EU efforts in support of Palestinian state building in the context of working towards a comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution. 

On 15-16 February 2016, 19 officers of the General Administration for Borders & Crossings were trained by EUBAM staff on “Integrated Border Management Strategy”, in the framework of the implementation of the Joint Road Map.

On 8-9-10 February 2016, 21 officers of the General Administration for Borders & Crossings were trained by EUBAM staff on the risk analysis management system, in the framework of the implementation of the Joint Road Map.