site.btaPresident Radev Says Bulgaria Supports Efforts for Peaceful Solution to Gaza Conflict the Soonest Possible

Talking with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the telephone, President Rumen Radev Tuesday said Bulgaria supports and is part of the international efforts for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a resumption of dialogue and a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible. The conversation focused on the military actions in the Middle East following the Hamas terrorist attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023 and the humanitarian crisis for the civilian population in Gaza, the President's press secretariat said.

The conversation was occasioned by President Herzog's postponed visit due to the political situation in Bulgaria.

Radev recalled that from the very beginning of the conflict, Bulgaria has strongly condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and has denounced the taking of hostages. He said the State of Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism, but at the same time voiced deep concern about the unprecedented number of civilian casualties and the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on Israel to find a way to guarantee the lives of the civilian population.

President Radev also said that Bulgaria is part of the European Council's decision in March, whereby the European leaders urged Israel not to launch an offensive in Rafah, which would have catastrophic consequences in humanitarian terms. Bulgaria shares the European Council's call for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid. He also recalled that  there were two people of Bulgarian origin among the hostages held by Hamas.

The situation with the crew of the Galaxy Leader detained off the coast of Yemen, including two Bulgarian citizens, was also discussed on the telephone, the press release said.