Qatar Calls for IAEA Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities and NPT Membership

Qatar has requested the IAEA to oversee Israeli nuclear facilities and urged Israel to sign the NPT. Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi emphasized the need for international commitments regarding nuclear safeguards. Qatar also seeks intensified efforts towards Israel’s recognition as a non-nuclear state and addressed Israel’s aggressive policies affecting Palestinians.

Qatar has officially requested the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to oversee all Israeli nuclear facilities. This appeal was made during a UN atomic agency session, where Qatar’s Ambassador to the UN, Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi, also urged Israel to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Ambassador al-Hammadi emphasized the crucial role of the international community in maintaining its commitments towards resolutions from the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the IAEA. He particularly referenced the 1995 Review Conference of the NPT, which calls for Israel to allow its nuclear facilities to fall under IAEA safeguards.

Furthermore, the Qatari foreign ministry highlighted the importance of collective international efforts to ensure Israel’s recognition as a non-nuclear entity under the NPT. Currently, all Middle Eastern states, with the exception of Israel, are signatories to the treaty and have established safeguards with the IAEA.

Israel is believed to possess between 200 and 400 nuclear warheads, rendering it the only state in West Asia known to hold non-conventional arms. Despite the looming threat, Israel has consistently declined to permit IAEA inspections of its facilities or accede to the NPT.

In addition, al-Hammadi addressed Israel’s ongoing contentious policies, which include calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians, intensified military actions in the West Bank, and restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also mentioned the submitted memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Israel’s obligations as defined by the UN General Assembly.

In conclusion, Qatar has taken a firm stance regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities by calling for IAEA oversight and urging Israel to join the NPT. This request aligns with broader efforts to address Israel’s ongoing policies impacting Palestinian rights. Additionally, Qatar’s recent memorandum to the ICJ underscores its commitment to upholding international law and humanitarian principles in the region.

Original Source: www.presstv.ir