Bulgaria’s position on the Gaza Strip remains unchanged. The priority is direct dialogue with Israel, aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and achieving a lasting peace based on the two-state solution, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in response to questions from public service broadcaster BNT.

Bulgaria calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and the provision of unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Sofia supports the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, as well as the commitment of Commissioner Kaja Kallas, which has led to concrete steps by Israel to ease the crisis.

• Bulgaria and six other EU countries have not signed a joint statement condemning Israel over the situation in Gaza

Bulgaria was not invited to and did not participate in the discussions that preceded the statement initiated by the United Kingdom on July 18 this year. That statement was not coordinated within the EU, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BTA-archive