Germany plans to send border experts to the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, according to government sources cited by DPA.

To do so, Berlin will amend a 2005 decision that allowed only unarmed personnel, now permitting armed forces due to security risks.

The deployment may be part of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM), which was suspended in 2007 after Hamas took control of Gaza.

A small number of European border experts could be deployed by early February.

The Rafah reopening is part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Italy, Spain, and France will also send personnel, while Germany’s Foreign Minister called the move a sign of Europe’s global responsibility.