Sofia, Bulgaria — The Palestinian authorities remain resolute in their demand for the release of two Bulgarian nationals captured from the Galaxy Leader ship, according to Dr. Nasri Abu Jaish, the newly appointed Palestinian ambassador to Bulgaria.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to secure their freedom amidst the broader context of the Middle East conflict.
The captured Bulgarians, described by the ambassador as civilians uninvolved in the region’s hostilities, have been held for months, with their fate remaining uncertain.
Ambassador Jaish emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting later this month between the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and Hamas, which will take place in Cairo.
One of the key topics on the agenda is the release of hostages, including the two Bulgarian nationals. “The situation of the Bulgarian civilians will be discussed in the Cairo talks,” the ambassador confirmed. “We are working diligently to resolve this situation, but the outcome remains unpredictable.”
The two Bulgarian nationals were taken from the cargo ship, Galaxy Leader, by Yemeni Houthis, a group currently aligned with regional actors such as Iran.
While the specific circumstances surrounding their capture remain unclear, it is understood that the Bulgarian crew members were civilians involved in routine maritime operations.
Since the incident, the Palestinian authorities have been pressuring the Yemeni Houthis to release the hostages, a message they have relayed to both Iran and Hamas.
Ambassador Jaish reiterated that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the PNA have been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the hostages’ freedom.
“We have asked the Houthis, Iran, and Hamas for the release of hostages, including the Bulgarians. Our teams are putting forth considerable effort to resolve this issue peacefully,” Jaish added.
The ambassador’s statements come just as he presented his credentials in Bulgaria and in connection with the first anniversary of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Dr. Nasri Abu Jaish seized the opportunity to address the devastating toll that the war has taken on the Palestinian population, stating that more than 42,000 lives have been lost, including 16,000 children.
He also called on the international community to pay closer attention to the crisis, urging them to intervene not only in the hostage issue but also in bringing a halt to civilian suffering on both sides of the conflict.
“The civilian toll of this war is staggering, and we oppose casualties among civilians, regardless of where they occur,” Dr. Jaish stated, underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution.
He further warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to a deepening humanitarian crisis across the region.
The meeting in Cairo represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all hostages, including the two Bulgarians, who have become emblematic of the broader hostilities in the Middle East.
Though the outcome of these talks remains uncertain, the efforts by Palestinian diplomats like Ambassador Jaish are a clear signal that the PNA is committed to resolving the matter through diplomatic channels.
For Bulgaria, the fate of its two citizens remains a pressing concern, and the families of the hostages continue to hope that the Cairo talks will yield a resolution that brings their loved ones home safely.