site.btaBulgaria Welcomes Bulgarian Citizen Daniela Gilboa's Release from Hamas Captivity

Bulgaria has welcomed the release of Bulgarian national Daniela Gilboa, who had been held captive by Hamas, the Foreign Ministry’s press service said on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Hamas handed over four Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, including Daniela Gilboa, Reuters reported.

"This positive outcome is the result of intense diplomatic efforts and Bulgaria’s active participation. Bulgaria extends special gratitude to Qatar, Egypt and the United States, as well as personal gratitude to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whose decisive role and personal involvement in the mediation process were key to securing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of the hostages," the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry's statement read.

"We hope that all the remaining hostages, including Matan Angrest, another Bulgarian citizen still in captivity, will be reunited with their families in the near future," the Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry added that Bulgaria would continue to support international efforts to ensure the full implementation of the agreement that will enable the release of all hostages to be secured, a lasting cessation of hostilities to be achieved, and conditions for peace and stability in the region to be created. "Our country remains dedicated to protecting its citizens while supporting all international initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and security," the Ministry emphasized.