"In Ukraine, Karabakh, and Gaza... what is happening is an integral part of one picture " - expert

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, experts are sounding alarm bells, drawing parallels to ongoing strife in Ukraine, the Nagorno-Karabakh region, and other global flashpoints. The situation, reignited by "Hamas" attacks on October 7, has already claimed hundreds of lives on both sides, eliciting responses from nations around the world.

Amid the tumultuous situation, countries have taken varying stances—some siding with Israel, others with Palestine. In this complex diplomatic dance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has firmly condemned violence against civilians in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Mukhtar Mammadov, specifically pointed fingers at "Hamas," stating, "I condemn missile attacks and terror against civilians... Like all sovereign states, Israel has the right to live in peace and security," in a post on his social media account.

Zahid Oruj, a Member of the Milli Majlis,  told Turan, that this recent conflict, which is drawing in more nations, has the potential to impact global peace, extending far beyond the South Caucasus. Drawing parallels between the conflicts in the Caucasus during the early 1990s and the Middle East today, he noted that the international actors involved bear similarities. Azerbaijan's position, he contends, stands out for its sense of justice and balance.

Azerbaijan's diplomatic steps, such as opening its embassy in Israel, followed by the establishment of a permanent mission in Palestine, signify its commitment to international law. Oruj further highlighted the role of foreign powers in planning and executing these conflicts in a hybrid form, taking advantage of geopolitical dynamics.

Azer Gasimli, head of the Institute of Political Management, stressed in an interview with Radio Azadlig, that Azerbaijan's stance closely aligns with Turkey's, both countries urging both sides to engage in negotiations. Azerbaijan, he argued, seeks to maintain neutrality in the conflict, given its standing as a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the need to preserve relations with Arab nations.

Gasimli underscored the interconnected nature of global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the Karabakh peacekeeping issue, and the Israeli-Palestinian escalation. He argued that these events are part of a broader Eurasian chessboard, with major players like Russia aiming for control over transport corridors. The United States and Western countries, in contrast, seek alternative routes to challenge Russia and Iran, even attempting to mend relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran and Russia, according to Gasimli, have an interest in destabilizing the Middle East to counter these developments.

The embassies of Russia and Iran in Azerbaijan could not get a comment.  However, both countries disavow public support for Hamas, emphasizing that these ideas are an attempt to justify the alleged defeat of Israel.