Hamas' war with Israel. Whose side is Azerbaijan on?

Baku/09.10.23/Turan:  Azerbaijani Ambassador to Tel Aviv Mukhtar Mammadov has issued a strong condemnation of the recent terrorist acts perpetrated by Hamas against Israeli civilians. In a statement posted on the social network X, Ambassador Mammadov expressed solidarity with the Israeli citizens who are living in constant fear due to the indiscriminate missile strikes and terrorist attacks.

"Like thousands of Israeli citizens, my family and I are forced to spend hours in shelters. I condemn the indiscriminate missile strikes and terrorist attacks on the civilian population. I am appalled by the numerous abductions of civilians, including women and children, who are subjected to violence and ill-treatment by terrorist kidnappers. Like all sovereign states, Israel has the right to live in peace and security," Ambassador Mammadov wrote.

Azer Gasimli, the head of the Institute of Political Management, provided insights into the ongoing events in the Middle East, as well as the latest developments surrounding Karabakh, during an episode of the program "Difficult Question."

According to Gasimli, the policy pursued by the Azerbaijani authorities, as well as their immediate statements following the recent events, clearly indicate that Azerbaijan maintains a neutral stance and does not support any of the parties involved in the conflict.

"Azerbaijan has a completely neutral position, as evidenced by the statement of the Foreign Ministry. Turkey has made a similar statement. Both Azerbaijan and Turkey have called for both sides to engage in negotiations and have expressed disapproval of the ongoing events. However, unlike Western countries and Iran, they have refrained from openly supporting either party. Iran has openly supported Hamas, while Western countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and others, have openly supported Israel," stated Gasimli.

Touching upon Azerbaijan's stance, Gasimli emphasized that Azerbaijan should align itself with international law, humanity, and humanism. He believes that taking this principled stance is the correct approach.

"If we assess the situation from these perspectives, it is a more appropriate position to take," he stressed.

Gasimli criticized those who attempt to justify the actions of Palestinians on social media based on religious beliefs, arguing that Hamas, as a terrorist organization, attacked Israel. He expressed his view that if the attack had been limited to military facilities, it would have been more understandable. However, he characterized the attacks on civilian objects and non-Israeli citizens as nothing short of barbarism.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the diplomatic efforts of countries like Azerbaijan remain pivotal in promoting peace, security, and adherence to international norms.