European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah

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The European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EU BAM Rafah) is, after EUPOL COPPS, the EU's second Civilian Crisis Management Mission in the Palestinian territories. It is situated in the border crossing point in Rafah at the Palestinian-Egyptian border. The mission consists of roughly 70 personnel including a special security team.

1 Political Background
2 Its role is to:
3 External links
4 See also

[edit] Political Background

The Rafah Crossing Point (RCP) is vitally important to the Palestinian economy and the viability of any future independent Palestinian state since it is the only border crossing not involving Israel. Furthermore after the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the Gaza Strip and the subsequent closure of the RCP, trade relations with neighboring Egypt was inhibited. Given Israeli security-related doubts about handing over control of the RCP to the Palestinian Authority (possible weapons transfers and unihibited return of exiled extremist leaders and terrorists), EU BAM Rafah's stated aim is to provide a 3rd party presence in the Rafah Crossing Point in order to, in co-operation with the European Commission's institution building efforts, contribute to the opening of the Rafah Crossing Point and to build up confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Furthermore, the broader political objective is to support the Road Map peace initiave through confidence-building and increasing Palestinian capacity in all aspects of border control. Effective border management will facilitate the movement of goods and persons in and out of the Palestinian territories, thus improving the living conditions of the Palestinians and enhancing the prospects of viability of a Palestinian State, while contributing to the security of Israel.

[edit] Its role is to:

actively monitor, verify and evaluate the PA's performance with regard to the implementation of the Framework, Security and Customs Agreements concluded between the parties on the operation of the Rafah terminal;
contribute, through mentoring, to building up the Palestinian capacity in all aspects of border management at Rafah.
contribute to the liaison between the Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian authorities in all aspects regarding the management of the Rafah Crossing Point.