France and the United Kingdom have agreed to extend the Sandhurst Treaty for another three years, reinforcing joint efforts to curb illegal crossings of the English Channel.

The agreement, first signed in 2018 and previously extended in 2023, is aimed at reducing the number of migrants attempting to reach the UK in small boats. It is now set to remain in force until 2029, with both countries committing additional resources and funding.

Under the renewed deal, the UK will contribute up to €766 million over the next three years. Of that amount, €580 million is guaranteed, while €186 million will depend on how effective the measures prove to be. The total marks an increase from the €540 million committed under the previous arrangement.

Authorities are also planning a significant expansion in enforcement. The number of officers assigned to monitor the Channel is expected to double, reaching nearly 1,400 by 2029. France will also deploy a specialised unit from its Republican Security Corps, backed by drones, helicopters and advanced surveillance tools to track and prevent crossings.

The announcement comes as Laurent Nuñez and Shabana Mahmood prepare to meet near Dunkirk on Thursday. The ministers are expected to visit a new administrative detention centre under construction in Loon-Plage, where migrants facing deportation orders will be held before removal from French territory.

Cross-Channel migration remains a major issue for both governments. According to UK figures, about 41,500 people made the journey in small boats during 2025, the second-highest annual total since such crossings began. French officials say arrivals in the UK have dropped significantly so far this year compared to the same period last year.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the renewed pact as a “landmark agreement,” saying it strengthens intelligence-sharing, surveillance and operational presence along the northern French coast. He said joint efforts had already stopped tens of thousands of attempted crossings.

The agreement builds on earlier cooperation, including a 2025 arrangement known as “one-in-one-out,” which allows the UK to return some migrants who arrive by small boats while accepting an equal number of individuals from France through legal pathways.

Officials on both sides say the updated treaty reflects a continued focus on tightening border controls while maintaining coordination between the two countries in managing migration flows across one of Europe’s busiest waterways.

A large civilian fleet carrying humanitarian aid is preparing to sail toward Gaza Strip in what organizers describe as the biggest maritime mission of its kind, despite warnings from Israel that such efforts could be seen as a provocation.

The initiative, known as the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” is expected to involve nearly 100 boats and around 1,000 participants, including activists, union members, students and humanitarian workers. Organizers say the mission aims to deliver aid directly to Gaza and challenge restrictions they consider unlawful.

The final vessels are scheduled to depart on Saturday from Augusta, with additional boats joining from Barcelona and Marseille. Other მონაწილators are expected to set sail from Greece and Türkiye, forming a convoy as they head toward the eastern Mediterranean.

The flotilla’s organizers say the mission has both humanitarian and political goals, seeking to draw international attention to conditions in Gaza and push for a maritime aid corridor under international supervision. The effort follows a similar attempt in October 2025, when nearly 50 vessels were intercepted in international waters north of Egypt before reaching their destination.

During that earlier mission, Israeli naval forces boarded the ships, detained those on board and seized the vessels. Among those held was climate activist Greta Thunberg. All detainees were released within days and returned to their home countries, but the incident sparked protests across several European cities.

Israeli authorities have consistently defended their actions, stating that a naval blockade is necessary during the conflict with Hamas. Officials have described such flotillas as political acts rather than humanitarian missions and have alleged links between organizers and militant groups. The Global Sumud network has rejected those claims.

Participants in the new mission acknowledge the risks involved. Navid Lari, a Belgian activist taking part, said organizers are aware the flotilla could be intercepted again but believe the scale of the operation may test enforcement efforts. He added that public reaction to the previous interception influenced political debate in parts of Europe.

Ahead of departure, organizers held a congress in Brussels, bringing together lawmakers, international representatives and United Nations officials, including Francesca Albanese. The gathering produced a joint declaration calling for the creation of a UN-monitored humanitarian maritime corridor to Gaza.

With tensions in the region still high, it remains uncertain whether the flotilla will reach its destination or face another interception at sea.