Brussels, Jan 27 (EFE).- Spain is pushing for the European Union to deploy a mission at the Rafah border crossing, the sole gateway between Gaza and Egypt, to the Palestinian National Authority and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares outlined the proposal, which includes deploying personnel from Spain’s Civil Guard, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council that began Monday.
The mission aims to oversee operations at Rafah and assist in controlling the movement of people while normalizing checkpoint activities.
Albares told reporters that if the proposal is approved, Spain’s Civil Guard would participate in the mission.
While he did not specify the number of officers to be deployed, Albares assured that adequate personnel would be provided, emphasizing the urgency of swift deployment.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council is the first since Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency. Albares addressed Trump’s controversial proposal to “clean up” Gaza and relocate 1.5 million Palestinians to neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt. He stressed that the EU’s stance is clear. “Gazans must remain in Gaza.”
“Gaza is part of the future Palestinian state,” he said, calling for Gaza and the West Bank to be unified under a single Palestinian National Authority as soon as possible.
The minister further highlighted the importance of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza on a large scale to mitigate the dire conditions caused by over a year of Israeli attacks.
He stressed the necessity of ensuring the presence of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the region.
Albares also plans to advocate for lifting sanctions on Syria that directly impact humanitarian aid and economic activities while maintaining those related to chemical weapons.
According to foreign ministry sources, unanimous from EU counterparts is anticipated, with these sanctions potentially being lifted as early as February.
However, Albares warned that sanctions would be reimposed if Syrian authorities fail to transition toward democracy and respect for women and minorities.
The minister, who visited Syria and Lebanon two weeks ago, underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that 90 percent of Syrians currently live below the poverty line.
Regarding the Middle East, Albares expressed confidence in consolidating peace in Lebanon, where attacks have resumed following the expiration of a 60-day ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.
“The violence we witnessed yesterday in southern Lebanon is unacceptable. Twenty-two innocent Lebanese lives lost are too many,” he said, urging adherence to the of the ceasefire agreement.
Albares will advocate for a substantial economic aid package to Lebanon’s reconstruction and emphasize backing the Lebanese Armed Forces, which he described as “the best guarantee of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the security of populations in northern Israel.” EFE
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