Qatar Urges International Oversight of Israel’s Nuclear Facilities and Humanitarian Protections

Qatar has called for Israel to be subjected to international nuclear oversight and to join the NPT. Ambassador Al Hammadi emphasized that all Middle Eastern nations, except Israel, are NPT signatories and criticized Israel’s military actions against Palestinians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Qatar also urges protection for UN properties.

Qatar has urged global leaders to subject Israel’s nuclear facilities to oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and to encourage Israel to accede to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state. This request was articulated by Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations, during a meeting with the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna on Saturday.

Ambassador Al Hammadi emphasized that all Middle Eastern nations, with the exception of Israel, are signatories to the NPT and have established effective safeguard agreements with the IAEA. Furthermore, he criticized Israel for its aggressive policies towards Palestinians, compounded by ongoing military operations in Gaza that hinder humanitarian assistance and impose restrictions on UN relief efforts.

The current climate of violence follows a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. The conflict’s devastating toll has persisted for more than 500 days, with tens of thousands of fatalities primarily among Palestinians, including numerous children. This prolonged strife underscores the urgency of the appeal issued by Qatar.

In addition to its appeal regarding nuclear oversight, Qatar has called for international monitoring to ensure Israel’s compliance in protecting UN properties, educational institutions, medical facilities, and essential infrastructure, including water resources. While Israel has not officially acknowledged its nuclear arsenal, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s 2024 data suggests that Israel likely possesses a minimum of 90 nuclear warheads.

In conclusion, Qatar has taken significant steps to call for Israel’s compliance with international nuclear standards and protect humanitarian efforts in a conflict-ridden region. By urging oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities and monitoring for the protection of UN assets, Qatar aims to stabilize the situation in the Middle East and address ongoing humanitarian crises effectively.

Original Source: www.upi.com