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SvennoJ on 27 May 2024
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EU foreign policy chief ‘horrified’ by Rafah air strikes

The European Union’s top foreign policy official, Josep Borrell, says in a post on X that the Israeli strikes on Rafah prove that no place is safe in Gaza.

“These attacks must stop immediately,” he said, adding that the interim orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to stop the Rafah invasion must be implemented, and international human rights law must be respected.

Horrified, I don't believe it. You still won't sanction Israel, not even put a ban on further arms transfers to Israel. You don't respect international law, it's your duty to enforce the ICJ ruling as a member of the UN and ICJ. All the EU has is more words.



Well maybe this could lead to something

EU ministers give green light to Rafah border missions: Borrell

The European Union’s foreign ministers have approved the reactivation of an EU border mission at Rafah, according to the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

“I have a green light from EU ministers to reactivate the Rafah border mission,” he said, adding that such a mission would need the support of Egypt, Israel and Palestinians.

Or probably not, seems very weak. Mission strength 18 (10 int. and 8 local)

https://www.eubam-rafah.eu/en

https://www.eubam-rafah.eu/sites/default/files/u222/EUBAM%20Rafah_Fact%20Sheet.pdf

It ran from 2005 to 2007 and has been on standby until 2016, it's mostly a training mission

Currently, the Mission focuses on supporting GABC (General Administration for Borders and Crossings) in enhancing border and anti-smuggling control, based on intelligence-oriented approach and on strengthening GABC operational staff’s ability to operate the terminal in accordance with international standards, in regard to advanced border-control related activities and the use of new/state-of-art technologies or training on specialised skills.

EUBAM Rafah has also intensified its cooperation with the other relevant EU missions and agencies, EU member states and other international stakeholders to support the PA on border-related matters with a view to a return to the RCP (Rafah Crossing Point)

This is for after the war, not applicable right now.




My useless country

Ottawa pledges visas for 5,000 Palestinians in Gaza related to Canadians

That figure is an increase from the 1,000 temporary resident visas allotted under a special programme for Gaza announced in December, the immigration ministry says in a statement, adding that many people have expressed interest.

“While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves,” Immigration Minister Marc Miller said.

According to Canadian media reports, Ottawa has been unable to get Palestinian visa holders out of the Gaza Strip under the programme.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has faced growing domestic pressure to secure a lasting ceasefire to end the Israeli offensive. However, that pressure has translated into limited, largely symbolic action.

1000 or 5000, doesn't matter. Not a single person has been able to use the visa program since it was announced in Januari.



EU in action

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/27/audacious-outrageous-gaza-protesters-slam-greek-deportation-order

‘Audacious, outrageous’: Gaza protesters slam Greek deportation order

Nine people from the United Kingdom and the European Union member states are facing deportation from Greece days after they took part in a protest in solidarity with Palestine at a Greek university.

A total of 28 people were arrested by Greek police during the protest and encampment at the Athens Law School on May 14 on charges including disturbing the peace, damaging property, trespass as well as violations of the laws on weapons and flares, all of which they deny.