A reception organized by the Embassy of Israel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, scheduled for October 7th to mark the anniversary of Hamas' attack, has been cancelled, Anadolu Agency reported. The event, which was to take place at Sarajevo's Hotel Europe, faced backlash and security concerns.

A statement from Hotel Europe explained, “The company ‘Aluminij Industries’ from Mostar booked a smaller hall in our hotel some ten days ago, informing us that it was for a business meeting. However, today we learned from the media what the event was actually about. Following suggestions and instructions from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security services, we decided to cancel the event.”

The Israeli Embassy and the Israel Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and Herzegovina had planned to hold the reception in Sarajevo to commemorate the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that occurred on October 7th last year. The non-resident Israeli ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, Galit Peleg, had scheduled the reception at Hotel Europe for Tuesday, October 15th.

Sarajevo's Mayor, Benjamina Karic, issued a statement on Wednesday expressing her disapproval after learning from media reports that the “Israeli Embassy planned to organize an exhibition and reception in Sarajevo in commemoration of October 7th and the Hamas terrorist attack.”

“I feel compelled to publicly condemn any event that unilaterally presents the suffering of one people while ignoring the genocide in Gaza and the tragedy faced by the Palestinian people,” Karic stated.

She added that Israel responded to the attacks by killing over 41,000 people, including women, children, the elderly, and the vulnerable, with millions more displaced.

“The killing of innocent civilians, no matter where it comes from, must be condemned. However, hosting such events while countless human tragedies are unfolding in Gaza represents a moral paradox. It sends a message of indifference towards innocent victims. At the very least, it is a provocation to a city like Sarajevo, which has endured unimaginable suffering,” Karic stressed.

She further called for an end to violence, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the restoration of peace, urging those who had agreed to host the event to reconsider their decision.