Israel’s embassy in Baku extends condolences on Khojaly anniversary

The Embassy of Israel in Baku has expressed its condolences to the people of Azerbaijan and the families of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, commemorating the anniversary of the massacre.

In a message published on X, the embassy said: “On behalf of the Embassy, we extend our sincere condolences to the people of Azerbaijan and to the families of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy.”

Səfirlik adından Azərbaycan xalqına və Xocalı faciəsi qurbanlarının ailələrinə dərin hüznlə başsağlığı veririk.
Həyatını itirən günahsız insanların xatirəsini ehtiramla yad edir və zərər çəkmiş hər kəsə ən dərin rəğbətimizi bildiririk.
Qurbanların xatirəsi daim yaşasın və sülh… pic.twitter.com/xwjDW4MSu5

— Israel in Azerbaijan (@IsraelinAZ) February 26, 2026

The diplomatic mission stressed that it honours “the memory of the innocent lives lost” and conveyed “deepest sympathy to all those affected.”

“May the victims be remembered, and may peace and understanding prevail,” the statement added.

February 26, 2026, marks 34 years since the Khojaly Genocide, one of the most tragic episodes in Azerbaijan’s recent history. Commemorative events are being held across the country and abroad in memory of the victims.

The town of Khojaly had been under blockade since October 1991. Road access was cut off on October 30, leaving air transport as the only link to the outside world. Electricity supplies were halted on January 2, 1992, and the last civilian helicopter landed on January 28. The town’s defence was organised by local militias, police units and National Army forces, largely equipped with small arms.

On the night of February 25–26, 1992, Armenian armed formations, reportedly supported by heavy equipment and personnel from the 366th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the former Soviet Army stationed in Khankendi, seized the town following intensive shelling.

According to official Azerbaijani data, 613 civilians were killed, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 elderly people. Hundreds were injured, taken hostage or reported missing.

In 1994, the Milli Majlis officially declared February 26 the Day of the Khojaly Genocide, a position it has since reaffirmed in subsequent resolutions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev