EUBAM Rafah is a civilian, non-executive mission under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), established in November 2005 to support the implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The Mission provides a neutral, third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point (RCP) on the Gaza–Egypt border. Its role is to help build trust between the parties, support coordination among all sides, and contribute to the Palestinian Authority’s ability to manage the crossing effectively. 

Following the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007, the Mission suspended its operations and entered standby mode. Since 2014, it has implemented a long-term capacity-building project with the Palestinian border authorities, offering training and strategic advice to support preparations for a future return to the crossing and promote sustainable, Palestinian-led border management.

In January 2025, EUBAM Rafah redeployed to the RCP alongside the Palestinian Authority for the first time since 2007, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that enabled a limited reopening of the crossing. Operations paused in March due to renewed hostilities, but the Mission stands ready to resume activities when conditions allow, in coordination with all relevant parties.