The European Union plans to deploy border management experts to support the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, diplomats confirmed to dpa on Friday. Member states have approved a revised plan for the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point,

Israel has confirmed it will maintain control of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip in phase one of its ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Israel said it will maintain control of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. A statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday denied reports that the Palestinian Authority would control the crossing.

The Israeli military said Wednesday its soldiers killed an alleged militant in Gaza whom it said posed a threat to its forces, as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas stretched into a fourth day. It appeared to be the first time since the ceasefire began Sunday that the Israeli military said it struck targets in Gaza.

Israel said it will maintain control of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. A statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday denied reports that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would control the crossing.