Mohammed Baraka, who had been employed by the EU border assistance mission in Rafah since 2006, is suing the bloc after being dismissed following the closure of its offices in the region.

The conflict erupted in October 2023, prompting his evacuation to Cairo.

According to legal documents, Baraka's lawyer, Selma Benkhelifa, argues that his dismissal constitutes 'discrimination on the basis of nationality,' as EU employees from Rafah were allegedly transferred elsewhere rather than dismissed.

Benkhelifa maintains that while the security situation may justify closing the Rafah office, Baraka should have been informed about the implications of his employment under Belgian law.

According to this legislation, rolling one-year contracts must be converted into permanent positions after three consecutive years.

Baraka was hired on such a contract.

He claims he is bringing the case forward to address the injustice resulting from these circumstances.

The lawsuit argues that allowing fixed-term contracts goes against Belgian and European public policy.

It also points out the 'shocking' nature of the EU circumventing its own rules intended for worker protection.

The document calls for Baraka's contract to be reclassified as a permanent position.

In his statement, Baraka expressed uncertainty during the early days of the conflict in Gaza and accepted an evacuation offer from the EU, given his long-standing role with the organization.

However, he now regrets this decision due to the loss of his employment without proper explanation or support for his future in a place lacking residence and basic human rights.