Azerbaijan Has 'Red Lines': We Will Not Participate in Such Initiatives, Official

The U.S. recently publicly presented Azerbaijan and Indonesia as the main potential partners in the international forces that would gradually replace Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip after the war. However, in comments to the Times of Israel, a senior Azerbaijani official indicated that Baku has not made a final decision, and assessments about the country's willingness are premature.

According to him, Azerbaijan has almost the same 'red lines' as the Arab countries that have already refused; the mission should be strictly peacekeeping, rather than enforcement (imposing peace), especially regarding the disarmament of Hamas.

The official stated that Azerbaijan cannot participate in an initiative that would be incompatible with the interests of the Palestinians. The publication notes that internal political issues are a significant hindrance for Azerbaijan.

'Azerbaijan has just concluded nearly 30 years of conflict with Armenia, and society is fatigued by war and losses. The idea of sending soldiers to Gaza, thousands of kilometers away, where they could be under fire from both sides, may not be accepted domestically,' the official admitted.

The newspaper reports that, so far, the only country that has openly declared its willingness to send troops (up to 20,000 personnel) remains Indonesia.