Azerbaijan has made it clear that it will not send peacekeepers to Gaza unless the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas cease entirely. A representative from the Azerbaijani government shared this position with Reuters, highlighting the critical concern for troop safety. “We do not want to put our troops in danger. This can only happen if military action is completely stopped,” the official stated. Additionally, any potential troop contributions would require approval from Azerbaijan’s parliament, which has not yet received any legislative proposal on this matter.
This stance comes amid discussions about the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is expected to include approximately 20,000 troops as part of a comprehensive peace initiative led by the United States. The Trump administration has been engaging with several nations, such as Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, to gauge their willingness to contribute to this multinational force aimed at enhancing stability in Gaza.
In conjunction with these developments, a U.S.-proposed resolution at the United Nations is anticipated to authorize the ISF to use “all necessary measures,” including force if necessary, to maintain regional security. The deployment of foreign troops is complicated by Hamas’s refusal to disarm, which remains a contentious issue in discussions about achieving peace and stability.
The current situation is dire, with reports indicating that military clashes have led to an alarming rise in casualties, including over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict escalated in October 2023. The severity of this humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for international cooperation in providing disaster relief and exploring pathways toward lasting peace.
The potential involvement of multiple nations, including Azerbaijan, in the ISF signifies a growing commitment to address this long-standing conflict. Despite the prevailing tensions, there is cautious optimism that ongoing diplomatic efforts may lead to de-escalation, offering hope for the future of Gaza and its inhabitants. As discussions progress, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and the well-being of the Gazan population remain pivotal issues that highlight the collective responsibility to address the crisis effectively.