Bulgarian Jewish organisation, Foreign Ministry react to Israel – Hamas deal

In a post on Facebook on October 9, the Shalom Organization of the Jews in Bulgaria reacted to the agreement the night before on the first phase of a Gaza peace deal between the State of Israel and Hamas.

The BBC reported that the agreement would see the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the entry of aid into Gaza.

“A day after we marked the two-year anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack, Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement last night,” Shalom said.

Under the first phase of the deal, 20 live hostages will return home by the end of the week in exchange for nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners.

“In the meantime, it is important that all democratic nations unite and stand firm against terrorism and antisemitism. The world must ensure that Hamas is disarmed, excluded from Gaza’s future, and that all hostages are returned home,” Shalom said.

Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry said on October 9: “Bulgaria welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which could be the first step towards lasting peace and security in the region”.

“We highly appreciate President Trump’s leadership and active participation in this complex process, as well as the mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, emphasising that diplomacy is the only path to finding a solution,” the Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said that it is of utmost importance that the first phase of the Gaza peace plan be implemented without delay, which would bring relief to the families of the hostages and reduce the suffering of the people of Gaza.

“Our thoughts are with the hostages and their families, including the families of Bulgarian citizens Matan Angrest and Sahar Baruch,” it said.

Bulgaria remains committed to efforts to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Middle East, the statement said.

“We look with optimism to a brighter future for the Middle East region, including the stabilisation of the Gaza Strip and the well-being of its people, with a future government without any involvement from Hamas.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, in a post on X on October 9, said that the agreement on the first phase of the Gaza peace deal marks a significant breakthrough.

“This is a major diplomatic accomplishment and a real chance to end a devastating war and release all the hostages. The EU will do what it can to support its implementation,” Kallas said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X on October 9 that she welcomed the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by US President Trump.

“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye in achieving this breakthrough,” Von der Leyen said. “Am also encouraged by the support of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority”.

Now, all parties must fully uphold the terms of the agreement, Von der Leyen said.

”All hostages must be released safely. A permanent ceasefire must be established. The suffering must end,” she said.

“The EU will continue to support the swift and safe delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. And when the time comes, we will be ready to help with recovery and reconstruction.

“Today’s opportunity should be seized. It’s the opportunity to forge a credible political path toward lasting peace and security. A path firmly anchored in the two-state solution,” Von der Leyen said.

(Photo: Clive Leviev-Sawyer)