Azerbaijan has indicated that it will not deploy peacekeepers to Gaza unless hostilities between Israel and Hamas come to a complete stop. An official from the Azerbaijani government conveyed this stance to Reuters, emphasizing the importance of troop safety. “We do not want to put our troops in danger. This can only happen if military action is completely stopped,” the source stated. Furthermore, any decision on potential troop contributions would need approval from Azerbaijan’s parliament, which has yet to receive any legislative proposal concerning this matter.
The discussions surrounding the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), which may comprise around 20,000 troops, are part of a broader peace initiative spearheaded by the U.S. The Trump administration has been engaging with several nations, including Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, to assess their willingness to contribute to this multinational force aimed at stabilizing Gaza.
In the context of these developments, a U.S.-drafted resolution at the United Nations is expected to authorize the ISF to utilize “all necessary measures,” including force if required, to maintain security within the region. The role of foreign troops in this initiative has been complicated by Hamas’s reluctance to disarm, a condition that has been a key point of contention in discussions about peace and stability.
Recent reports highlight ongoing military engagements that have dramatically increased casualties, including over 56,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict’s intensification in October 2023. Given the severity of the humanitarian crisis, the focus shifts to the need for urgent international cooperation to provide disaster relief and potential pathways towards lasting peace.
The potential involvement of multiple countries, including Azerbaijan, in an ISF reflects a growing commitment to seek resolutions to this long-standing conflict. Despite current tensions, there remains cautious optimism that continued diplomatic efforts can lead to de-escalation, providing hope for the future of Gaza and its residents. As international dialogues progress, the pressing need for humanitarian aid and the welfare of the Gazan population continue to underscore the collective urgency in addressing the crisis.