site.btaUPDATED Bulgarian Citizen Employed in UN System Dies in Gaza, Foreign Minister Georgiev Talks with Israeli Counterpart Sa'ar

A Bulgarian citizen employed in the United Nations system died in Gaza Strip on March 19, the Foreign Ministry said on its website on Wednesday quoting preliminary information. The Ministry later said that Bulgaria's top diplomat, Georg Georgiev, has held a phone conversation Wednesday evening with Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, who has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased Bulgarian citizen and clarified that, according to data from the Israel Defense Forces, the tragic incident is not connected in any way to their actions by land, air, or sea. However, the investigation remains ongoing until the full circumstances of the incident are clarified. 

One foreign national was killed and four others were injured in an Israeli strike on a UN facility in central Gaza, Reuters reported, citing statements from the health authorities in the Hamas-run Palestinian enclave. The United Nations said a foreign staffer was killed and five other workers were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the site of a U.N. headquarters in central Gaza City, Reuters reported later on Wednesday. Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the U.N. office for Project Services, said: "Israel knew that this was a U.N. premises, that people were living, staying and working there, it is a compound. It is a very well-known place." An explosive device was dropped or fired on the premises, he told a press conference in Brussels. "This was not an accident," he added. "What’s happening in Gaza is unconscionable." 

The Israeli military denied it had struck the U.N. compound in Deir al-Balah, Reuters added. It said it had hit a Hamas site in northern Gaza where it had detected preparations for firing into Israeli territory. 

The Bulgarian side also raised the issue of undertaking all necessary humanitarian actions, including assistance for injured UN personnel. In response, Minister Georgiev received assurances that Israel is providing the necessary support.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of a UN staff member in an attack on UN buildings in Gaza and has called for a full investigation, according to one of his spokespersons, as quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry also extended its sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased. Further information will be made public at a later stage, once the Bulgarian side is informed of the outcome of the investigation being carried out by the competent authorities into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the press release said.