Qatar Advocates for Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities and Palestinian Rights

Qatar requests international efforts to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and for Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. HE Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s envoy to the UN, emphasized the need for compliance with international resolutions and highlighted Israel’s aggressive policies towards Palestinians. Qatar also submitted a memorandum to the ICJ concerning Israel’s obligations to humanitarian organizations.

On March 8, 2025, Qatar urged the international community to intensify efforts to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Additionally, Qatar called for Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state. This appeal was presented by HE Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador to the UN Office in Vienna during the IAEA Board of Governors session which focused on the Palestinian territories and Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

HE Al Hammadi stressed the importance of the international community honoring its commitments under UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, IAEA resolutions, and the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which urged Israel to submit its nuclear facilities to IAEA safeguards. He highlighted that Israel is the only Middle Eastern nation not party to the NPT, while other regional states maintain effective safeguard agreements with the Agency.

Moreover, HE Al Hammadi condemned Israel’s aggressive policies, which include extremist calls for displacing Palestinian people, military operations in the West Bank, and hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also referenced Qatar’s recent memorandum submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking guidance on Israel’s obligations framed by a UN General Assembly resolution from December 2024.

In the memorandum, Qatar emphasized Israel’s responsibility to allow the operation of the UN and international bodies, notably UNRWA, in the Palestinian territories. The document called for the safeguarding of UN properties, medical facilities, and personnel by Israel. In conclusion, HE Al Hammadi urged the global community to take assertive actions to ensure compliance with international resolutions, recognizing Palestinian self-determination and establishing peace in the Middle East.

In summary, Qatar has reiterated its call for Israel to enhance transparency regarding its nuclear capabilities by subjecting its facilities to IAEA oversight and joining the NPT. The urgency of this appeal is accentuated by Israel’s ongoing policies affecting the Palestinian population. Furthermore, Qatar’s recent legal actions highlight the need for Israel to adhere to its international obligations regarding humanitarian access and protection of UN assets. The call for decisive international action remains critical to achieving peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: mofa.gov.qa