Joint statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation and the Ministry of the Interior

Spain reinforces its commitment to stability and international cooperation in the Middle East through the active participation of the Guardia Civil in the European Union mission to control the Rafah border crossing. A team of ten Spanish officers, integrated in the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR), will play a key role in the EUBAM Rafah mission, contributing to the protection and security of the international team as well as supporting the Palestinian Authority in the management of transit at the crossing point.

The Spanish contingent is composed of eight security specialists, headed by a Rapid Action Group (RAG) captain, and two officers assigned to the border management team. In addition to these, two members of the European mission of Spanish nationality have been deployed to the area, bringing the total number of Spanish troops deployed by the mission to twelve. 

The reopening of the Rafah crossing, promoted by the EU with the agreement of Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, will allow the evacuation of the wounded and facilitate humanitarian transit. Spain, as a key player in this mission, reaffi​rms its leadership in the framework of European cooperation and its commitment to security and humanitarian assistance in the region.