Qatar has called for UN oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities, urging adherence to international regulations including joining the NPT. Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi emphasized the need for IAEA safeguards during a recent IAEA meeting in Vienna. He also advocated for the protection of Palestinian infrastructure and called on the international community to recognize Palestinian rights. Despite Israel’s silence on its nuclear capabilities, concerns about its arsenal continue amid global scrutiny.
Qatar has reiterated its position advocating for the international oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities through the United Nations. During discussions at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi emphasized the necessity for Israel’s compliance with international regulations by placing its nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards and encouraging its accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state.
Al-Hammadi highlighted the critical obligation of international bodies to uphold various UN resolutions, particularly referencing the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which urged Israel to submit its nuclear capabilities for international scrutiny. He noted that Israel stands as the sole Middle Eastern nation outside of the NPT, an issue exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The ambassador also called for Israel to allow unimpeded operations of international organizations and aid agencies in Palestine. He stressed the importance of safeguarding UN properties and crucial infrastructure, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, transport networks, and water supply systems.
Concluding his remarks, al-Hammadi urged the global community to press Israel into adherence to international mandates, to recognize the self-determination rights of the Palestinian people, and to initiate measures aimed at restoring peace and stability to the region. This statement aligns with Qatar’s previous appeals made during the 67th IAEA General Conference held in September 2023 concerning the regulation of Israel’s nuclear program.
While Israel has not officially acknowledged its possession of nuclear weapons, estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggest that it may have around 90 plutonium warheads and sufficient materials for 100-200 nuclear weapons. Furthermore, criticism has been directed towards Western nations for their lack of vocal support regarding Israel’s alleged nuclear capabilities, particularly when juxtaposed with their assertive stances on nuclear oversight in countries such as Iran and North Korea.
In summary, Qatar has intensified its calls for the United Nations to oversee Israel’s nuclear arsenal, stressing the need for international accountability. With Israel remaining the only non-signatory in the Middle East to the NPT, regional stability is at stake, especially amid ongoing conflicts. The appeal for international scrutiny highlights a significant gap in the global nuclear oversight framework.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
