Qatar has called for Israel to come under the IAEA’s oversight for its nuclear facilities and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. This announcement was made by Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, the Qatari Ambassador to the UN, amidst ongoing violence in Gaza resulting in substantial Palestinian casualties. Qatar is also advocating for the protection of UN properties in the region.
On March 9, Qatari officials urged global leaders to ensure that Israel’s nuclear facilities be subject to oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They also called for Israel to accede to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state. Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Nations Office, made this appeal during a statement presented to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna.
Al Hammadi emphasized that all countries in the Middle East, apart from Israel, are parties to the NPT and have established effective safeguard agreements with the Agency. He further criticized Israel for its aggressive policies toward Palestinians amid ongoing violence, particularly concerning military operations in Gaza that obstruct humanitarian aid and UN relief efforts.
The renewed conflict was highlighted by the outbreak of violence following the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities. Over 500 days of subsequent strife have led to tens of thousands of deaths, predominantly among Palestinians, including children.
In addition to urging adherence to the NPT, Qatar has called for international monitoring to ensure that Israel respects the properties of the UN and other international organizations. This includes safeguarding schools, medical facilities, and critical infrastructure such as transportation and water resources.
While Israel has not officially confirmed the possession of nuclear weapons, a 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that Israel likely has at least 90 nuclear warheads in its arsenal.
In conclusion, Qatar has made significant calls for Israel to join the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to subject its nuclear facilities to IAEA regulation. This request comes amid ongoing violence in the region and highlights the complex geopolitical issues at play. Ensuring the protection of UN properties and humanitarian aid during the conflict remains a priority for Qatar and the international community.
Original Source: www.upi.com
