Yambol, Bulgaria – The hometown of Captain Marin Marinov is in mourning following his tragic death in the Gaza Strip. Friends, relatives, and neighbors have called for stronger state intervention to clarify the circumstances surrounding his passing, expressing disbelief and frustration over the situation.
Many have demanded an in-depth investigation, urging both the Bulgarian government and the United Nations to take decisive action.
Marinov, a 51-year-old UN worker, was killed in an explosion that struck two UN guesthouses in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, on March 19.
An investigation by the De Re Militari online journal has suggested that shell fragments found at the scene match those of an Israeli M339 projectile.
Military activity records confirm Israeli tanks and artillery were operating in the area at the time. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied responsibility, stating that their operations by land, air, or sea did not target the UN facility.
A childhood friend described Marinov as an intelligent, responsible, and kind-hearted individual, stressing that the case must not be left unresolved. Neighbors from his residential building echoed similar concerns.
“It looks like the Israelis launched the rocket, but now they are not admitting it,” one resident said. Others insisted that Marinov’s death should not be ignored, urging authorities to push for accountability.
In an official response, the municipality of Yambol extended condolences to Marinov’s family, expressing hope that those responsible would be identified.
The Bulgarian Navy also paid tribute to his memory, with Fleet Admiral Vanyo Musinski recalling Marinov as a disciplined officer and respected naval instructor.
Musinski, who had known Marinov since 1992, noted that he left the Navy to work in commercial sailing before eventually joining the United Nations.
Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev has spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, regarding the incident. Sa’ar expressed condolences to Marinov’s family while reiterating Israel’s stance that the IDF was not responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, Marinov’s body is expected to be repatriated to Bulgaria by the end of the week with Israeli assistance, and he is likely to be buried in his hometown of Yambol. He leaves behind two children.
The United Nations officially confirmed Marinov’s death on Thursday, describing him as a valued colleague and friend.
According to the UN, Marinov had been working for the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), supporting humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2720.
His career with the UN began in 2016 as a Marine Inspector for the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen before he later transitioned to roles in humanitarian coordination.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended his condolences to Marinov’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the urgent need for the protection of humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
The UN pledged full support to the injured UN staff members affected by the explosion and reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.
Marinov is the second UNOPS worker to be killed in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the growing risks faced by humanitarian personnel in Gaza.
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