EU Gaza border mission suggested

Police from the European Union could monitor the Gaza-Egypt border, under proposals put forward by the Netherlands and Denmark. The suggestion is aimed at creating the conditions for a permanent truce.

EU police are already deployed in Kosovo as part of a law and order mission to assist local authorities there. Now the idea is that European know-how could be used to ensure that aid can enter the Gaza Strip, while weapons are kept out. Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said: “It is necessary that we create a water-tight control at the southern border between Gaza and Egypt.” Guarantees over border security are crucial for Israel which says secret tunnels are used to smuggle weapons destined for militants in Gaza. But, amid the blockade, food, basic supplies and even animals are also sent through the tunnels in what the UN has described as a lifeline.More about: Borders, Egypt, European Union, Israel

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