Bulgaria’s decision to order visiting Hamas members of parliament (MPs) to leave the country didn't draw much media attention, despite the incident’s far-reaching implications for Hamas’ relations with the West, especially as the Palestinian movement has become more open to the Western world in recent years.

Hamas didn't call attention to this decision, although some legal and diplomatic sources say that Bulgaria's decision constituted a major breach of political protocol. Security men stormed the residences of the MPs, who enjoy political immunity, and escorted them to the airport to be deported immediately.

This short-lived incident has many interpretations. For instance, one might think that the decision to go to Bulgaria was not unanimously agreed upon within Hamas; therefore, the expulsion decision outraged only those who were affected by it, rather than the entire movement. This could explain Hamas’ tepid reaction towards the decision.

One might also justify the Palestinian reaction in light of the fact that the visit adds little weight to the Palestinian cause, even if its outcome were to be positive, since Bulgaria has no special importance within the European Union.