Foreign minister Velislava Petrova and Israel's ambassador to Bulgaria, Yosef Levy Sfari, discussed the situation in the Middle East, Gaza and the West Bank, the foreign ministry said.

Petrova confirmed that Bulgaria backs a two-state solution, which she called the basis for lasting peace. She said Bulgaria's support is in line with the European Union's position.

The minister said the fighting must stop for good, people must have unhindered access to humanitarian aid and civilians must be protected. She said she hopes efforts to reach a ceasefire will succeed.

The two confirmed that ties between Bulgaria and Israel are friendly. They said these ties rest on historic links and mutual respect between the two peoples.

Yesterday Petrova said the Bulgarian government's position on the war in the Middle East is de-escalation and dialogue.