doubttrigger

The tragic death of a Bulgarian United Nations, Project Services’ employee in Gaza, 51-year-old Marin Valev Marinov, killed by an Israeli tank strike on March 19, 2025, should have been a wake-up call for Bulgaria’s leaders. Instead, their response has been riddled with cowardice, neutrality, and an unwillingness to confront the harsh reality of Israeli aggression. The failure of Bulgarian officials to take a firm stand not only dishonours the victim but also perpetuates the cycle of violence in Gaza, where innocent civilians and humanitarian workers are paying the price for unchecked military actions.

The UN confirmed that the strike was carried out by Israeli forces. This prompted the organisation to scale down its operations in Gaza, reducing its international staff by one-third due to the increasing dangers posed by Israeli attacks on aid workers. The death of a Bulgarian citizen in this conflict is not just a statistic—it is a direct attack on the very principles of humanitarian work and international law. Yet, how did the Bulgarian government respond? Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov issued a restrained statement of condolence, insisting on a “clarification” from Israel. His comments suggested that Bulgaria was willing to accept Israel’s dismissive response that “no strikes were conducted in that area at the specified time.” Instead of standing up for truth and accountability, our leadership seems content with vague reassurances and diplomatic whitewashing. This is not diplomacy – this is complicity. While other nations, including many within the EU, have started to condemn Israel’s disproportionate military actions, although limited, Bulgaria remains a passive observer, too afraid to challenge a major ally of the West. What does this neutrality achieve other than enabling further violence? Why is Bulgaria so hesitant to demand real accountability when one of its own citizens has been killed?What signal is given to its own citizens? This is not an isolated event. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has caused more than fifty-thousand civilian casualties, targeted critical infrastructure, and deliberately obstructed humanitarian aid to the open prison which Gaza Strip is turned into for decades. As of March 25, 2025, the ongoing conflict in Gaza since October 2023 has resulted in significant casualties among humanitarian workers and journalists. At least 337 aid workers have been killed, including 330 Palestinians and seven foreigners. This toll comprises 251 UN staff members—247 from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), 33 staff and volunteers from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), and at least 53 other aid workers affiliated with national and international NGOs. ​The number of journalists killed has reached at least 195.  These figures underscore the perilous conditions faced by those committed to providing aid and reporting in conflict zones, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection and accountability. The fact that a Bulgarian UN employee was among the victims only amplifies the urgency for a response. Humanitarian workers operate under the protection of international law. When those protections are ignored with impunity, it sends a dangerous message: that military forces can kill aid workers without consequence.

If there was a political spine the Bulgarian government should have acted decisively in the following manner:

Demand an Independent Investigation: Bulgaria must pressure international organisations and Israel itself to conduct a transparent investigation into the attack.

Publicly condemn Israeli aggression: Our leaders must stop hiding behind neutrality and clearly denounce the targeting of civilians and humanitarian workers.

Support international sanctions: Bulgaria should join other nations in advocating for accountability measures against Israel, including targeted sanctions.

Ensure justice for the victim: The family of the Bulgarian UN worker deserves answers and justice. Our government should actively seek reparations and accountability.

Silence is not neutrality—it is an endorsement of the status quo. By failing to take a firm stance, Bulgaria is signalling to Israel and the world that the killing of a Bulgarian citizen (amongst other European compatriots) is not worth more than a few diplomatic pleasantries. Is this the kind of leadership we are willing to accept? Bulgaria has a choice: to stand on the right side of history or to continue being a pusillanimous observer of injustice. Our leaders must find the courage to speak the truth and act accordingly, otherwise, they will simply remain a cowardly typing mistake crossed off from the pages of history.