Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, condemned the horrific attacks carried out against Israel by the militant group Hamas on Saturday, October 7.
The terrorist group controls the coastal enclave of Gaza and fired more than 5,000 rockets towards Israel’s Southern and Central territories.
Spoke w/🇮🇱FA Minister @elicoh1 &expressed our solidarity with the people of Israel.
We condemn once again the horrific attacks carried out against🇮🇱.My thoughts are with the families of the victims &the wounded.
Israel has the right to defend itself in line w/international law. pic.twitter.com/vDGLWs9V1d
— Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) October 8, 2023
Yesterday, she held a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, expressing Bulgarian solidarity with Israel. She said, “Bulgaria strongly condemns the horrific attacks on Israel. Our thoughts are with the victims and injured relatives. Israel has the right to defend itself by international law”.
In support of Israel, The National Assembly building in Bulgaria was lit in the colours of the flag of Israel in solidarity with the Israeli people following the terrorist attacks by Hamas.
Since the Middle East conflict started to escalate, there have already been more than 1,100 fatalities on both sides. Over 800 Israelis have died in the last few days, while at least 400 Palestinians have also died. There are roughly 5,000 injured.
According to Israeli authorities, at least 260 dead were reportedly discovered at a music event venue close to the Gaza border. On Saturday, thousands of young people were present at the celebration when hundreds of members of the Palestinian organisation Hamas burst in.
Yesterday, the first aircraft from Tel Aviv landed at Sofia Airport since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. On Saturday, 50 Bulgarians were stranded at Tel Aviv airport. Later, they were evacuated in a government Airbus that left Israel and reached Sofia yesterday morning.
A Bulgarian citizen, Kalina shared the details when she was in Israel with her sister. She commented that sirens went off almost immediately, and she heard rocket fires. At the moment, Kalina and her sister were so scared for her life. Both sisters thanked Bulgaria Air for rescuing them and bringing them back to home.