The European Union has restarted its civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah, a key entry and exit point for the Palestinian territory, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday.

The European Union on Friday started its support mission for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. The mission "will support Palestinian border personnel and allow the transfer of individuals out of Gaza,

A deal on the redeployment of the non-armed mission, whose task is to police the border and allow the safe transit of goods and people, was struck with the backing of Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which partially governs the occupied West Bank.

Hamas has survived Israel’s 15-month war in the Gaza Strip. Now, the militant group is replenishing its ranks, although restocking its weapons supplies will be more difficult.

The European Union has restarted its civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah, a key entry and exit point for the Palestinian territory, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said.

Italy says monitoring mission, which was halted when Hamas seized control of Strip in 2007, 'was launched at the request of Israel and the PA'

Brussels, Jan 27 (EFE).- The European Union Monday agreed to deploy forces at Gaza’s border with Egypt to bolster a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while reiterating its support for a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace in the region.

The 27-nation bloc set up a civilian mission in 2005 to help monitor the crossing, but it was suspended two years later after the militant Islamist group Hamas took control of Gaza.

A delegation from Palestinian group Hamas arrived in Cairo on Monday to discuss the implementation of ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, the group said in a statement.

Hamas released four hostages, all female soldiers, and Israel 200 Palestinian prisoners as the latest cease-fire exchange occurred on Saturday.

The European Union has restarted its civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt at Rafah, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday.

Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said that the Palestinian movement Hamas would release Israeli citizen Yarden Bibas, US national Keith Siegel and French citizen Ofer