Qatar Advocates for IAEA Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities and NPT Accession

Qatar has called for international efforts to place Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and for Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. Ambassador Al Hammadi emphasized the necessity of compliance with UN resolutions and criticized Israel’s policies against Palestinians. Qatar has also engaged the ICJ regarding Israel’s obligations towards humanitarian operations, urging decisive international action for peace and Palestinian rights.

The State of Qatar has urged the global community to enhance efforts to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and for Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state. This position was articulated by His Excellency Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations in Vienna, during the IAEA Board of Governors session, discussing Israel’s nuclear capabilities and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

His Excellency Al Hammadi emphasized the necessity for the international community, alongside relevant institutions, to adhere to obligations outlined in UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as in the IAEA and the 1995 Review Conference of the NPT, which demand Israel subject its nuclear facilities to IAEA oversight. He noted that these resolutions also explicitly call for Israel’s accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear state.

He highlighted that all Middle Eastern nations, aside from Israel, are parties to the NPT and hold effective safeguard agreements with the Agency. Additionally, Al Hammadi criticized Israel’s aggressive policies, which include extremist calls for the displacement of Palestinian individuals, military operations targeting cities and refugee camps in the West Bank, hindrance to humanitarian aid for Gaza, and constraints on the operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Moreover, Qatar submitted a written memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) requesting an advisory opinion regarding Israel’s obligations under a UN General Assembly resolution from December 19, 2024. This memorandum seeks clarification on the responsibilities of Israel regarding the activities of the UN, international organizations, and third-party states and stresses Israel’s obligation to permit operational access for these entities within Israel and the occupied territories.

Concluding his address, His Excellency Al Hammadi underscored the critical need for the international community to take affirmative action, pressuring Israel to adhere to international resolutions, acknowledge the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and support the establishment of a sovereign state. He stressed this approach is essential for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East and mitigating potential global risks.

In summary, Qatar has called for international collaboration to ensure Israel’s nuclear facilities are placed under IAEA safeguards and for Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. Ambassador Al Hammadi highlighted existing UN resolutions demanding Israel’s compliance and criticized its aggressive policies against Palestinians. Furthermore, Qatar has approached the ICJ for clarity on Israel’s obligations concerning humanitarian operations, emphasizing the urgent need for effective international action to uphold Palestinian rights and promote regional stability.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com