Europe is considering its contribution to Gaza. In a document from the European External Action Service, revealed by Reuters this Friday, it is proposed that the European Union train 3,000 Palestinian police officers with a view to their subsequent deployment in the enclave.
EU foreign ministers will review this proposal at their meeting on November 20, among various options to contribute to the implementation of the peace plan in Gaza proposed by American President Donald Trump.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place in the Palestinian territories since October 10, as part of a deal negotiated by the United States that allowed the release of all surviving hostages kidnapped in Israel on October 7. However, the implementation of the remaining points of this agreement is still pending.
The European Union could “play a leading role in training Palestinian police forces in Gaza by providing direct training and support to around 3,000 Palestinian police officers based in Gaza (paid by the Palestinian Authority), with the aim of training all 13,000 members of the Palestinian police force,” explains the document consulted by the British press office.
Mission at the border post
The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, also confirmed in late October that the European Union had not completely lifted the possibility of sanctions against Israel: “We have decided not to take action for now, but we also do not rule out such action.”
It also plans to finance or provide expertise for Hamas’ disarmament, according to documents handed to 27 people, consulted by AFP. They also want to relaunch the EU mission on the Rafah border crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, which they stopped in 2007.
Brussels is now waiting for the green light from Israel and Egypt so that the mission can resume its activities, assured Kaja Kallas. This border control assistance and surveillance mission included about ten policemen, including three and soon four Frenchmen.
The EU, the main donor to Palestine with 1.6 billion euros planned for the 2025-2027 period, also intends to use this influence, including with the Palestinian Authority, which has called for reform. A donor conference will be held on November 20 before another meeting, this time aimed at Gaza reconstruction.
