Qatar has called for international oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities at the IAEA, urging Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi emphasized the need for accountability under UN resolutions, particularly given regional tensions. Qatar’s request aligns with earlier demands for scrutiny of Israel’s nuclear program, highlighting global criticisms regarding Western silence on this issue.
Qatar has reiterated its demands for international oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities, advocating for their submission to the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring agency. Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi, Qatar’s ambassador to Austria, conveyed this message during a meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, emphasizing that Israel should be compelled to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state.
Al-Hammadi underscored the obligation of international institutions to uphold various UN resolutions and agreements, particularly the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which urged attention to Israel’s nuclear capabilities. He pointed out that Israel remains the only nation in the Middle East outside the NPT framework, a situation that raises further alarms in light of recent conflicts, notably the war in Gaza.
Additionally, the Qatari ambassador called for Israel to permit the unrestricted operation of international organizations in Palestine, stressing the necessity of protecting UN properties and essential infrastructure, including schools and healthcare facilities. Al-Hammadi insisted that Israel must adhere to international resolutions and acknowledge the Palestinians’ right to self-determination to restore stability in the region.
Qatar’s recent request aligns with previous appeals made during the 67th IAEA General Conference in September 2023, reiterating the importance of scrutinizing Israel’s nuclear program. Despite Israel’s long-standing policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal, it is estimated to possess around 90 plutonium warheads, with sufficient material for a total of 100-200 nuclear weapons, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in June 2024.
Furthermore, criticism has been levied against Western nations for their reticence regarding Israel’s suspected nuclear capabilities, contrasting sharply with their proactive stances on nuclear oversight in countries such as Iran and North Korea.
Qatar continues to advocate for UN oversight of Israel’s nuclear capabilities and compliance with international regulations. The call underscores the disparity in nuclear regulatory frameworks in the Middle East and urges a collective approach to security and stability in the region. This ongoing discourse highlights the need for transparency and accountability regarding nuclear arsenals globally, particularly pertaining to longstanding regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
