The German government is considering deploying armed border guards at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
A 2005 German government decision allowing unarmed border guards at the crossing is set to be modified to permit the deployment of armed forces, as the current security situation is deemed too dangerous for unarmed personnel.
The deployment of German experts could take place as part of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) in Rafah, which is expected to resume operations after a long hiatus.
EUBAM was initially established in 2005 to help monitor the Rafah crossing. However, since the Islamist group Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, no EU representatives have been stationed at the border, as the EU has refused to cooperate with Hamas.
In the first phase, a small double-digit number of EU border experts and support staff are expected to be deployed to ensure security at the crossing, ideally starting in early February.
According to plans, these personnel will oversee border control and facilitate the evacuation of several hundred injured Palestinians from Gaza. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that border guards from Italy, Spain, and France will be involved first. Germany may contribute officers from its federal police or customs service.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing is part of a three-stage agreement between Hamas and Israel to end the war in Gaza. The crossing is also intended to allow a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries for Palestinians.
