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This week, the European Union Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point received members of the EU’s committee on Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) who arrived in Palestine and Israel to meet with Mission Staff members and local counterparts.

For the duration of three days, eight representatives from the General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC) visited the National Center for coordination of Border Crossing Points (CEFRONT) and the Command and Control Center in Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. 

This visit came as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at building the capacities of the border organizations working under the umbrella of GABC for a better protection of the State's borders. 

In continuation of an earlier workshop held in Jericho in April 2019, EUBAM Rafah concluded its second leadership development training. The workshop came as part of a series of leadership training sessions aimed at further developing the existing leadership skills and qualities of the top managers at the General Administration for Borders and Crossings and covered topics related to communication and conflict management.

In a study visit that lasted for the duration of three days, three representatives from the General Administration for Borders and Crossings visited the Directorate for International Police Cooperation in Brussels, Belgium.

Together with EUBAM Rafah and the Directorate for International Police Cooperation, TAIEX arranged a study visit on Work Organization and Procedures for Border Agencies.

On the occasion of Eid Al-Adha - the second of two major Muslim holidays, Mr. Guenther Freisleben wishes Muslim counterparts and all Muslims celebrating around the world Eid Mubarak. 

Eid Al-Adha, also known as "Feast of the Sacrifice", marks the end of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's supreme act of faith when He was about to sacrifice his son -Ismail- in obedience to Allah's command before the latter got replaced by a ram.

On Saturday 27 July, the first group of Palestinian Pilgrims left to Jordan en route for the annual “Hajj” AKA pilgrimage through Al-Karama Crossing.

This year, 6600 pilgrims are expected for Hajj –one of the five pillars pf Islam, from the West Bank and Jerusalem.  

On 24 July 2019, the Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point met with the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh in his office in Ramallah.

During the meeting, the Head of EUBAM Rafah reiterated the Mission's support for the General Administration for Borders and Crossings and expressed commitment to the building and strengthening of the counterpart's capacities. 

The Council of the European Union has extended the Mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), as well as the Mandate of the EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS), until 30 June 2020.

Both Missions form 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

Ms Heike Gerstbrein, currently heading the Common Foreign and Security Policy Operations and Election Observation Unit in the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, is in a visit that is expected to last for one week to the two EU Missions in the territories; EUBAM and EUPOL COPPS, located in Tel Aviv and Ramallah respectively. 

Cooperation among border agencies, whether internally or internationally, is important to ensure the reinforcement of border/cross-border codes and to handle joint investigations of any occurring violations, when needed.