Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said on Monday that his country will not send troops for peacekeeping operations outside its borders, including in Gaza. He emphasized that Azerbaijan will not participate in hostilities abroad under any circumstances.
Aliyev told Azeri television that his government submitted a detailed questionnaire of over 20 questions to the U.S. regarding the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza. The questionnaire, he said, clarified Azerbaijan’s position and expectations, but no participation is planned.
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An Azeri official had previously stated that troops would only be deployed if there was a complete cessation of fighting between Israel and Hamas. Aliyev’s remarks confirm that Azerbaijan will maintain a strictly neutral stance on the ongoing conflict.
Despite Azerbaijan’s decision, diplomats from Muslim-majority countries involved in Gaza peace efforts stress that the ISF is essential to protect Palestinians. They argue that only an international force with a clear mandate can prevent further bloodshed in the besieged enclave.
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Diplomats acknowledged the difficult position participating countries would face but stressed that doing nothing would allow the violence to continue unchecked. They warned that uninterrupted hostilities could result in catastrophic humanitarian consequences in Gaza.