Qatar has called for international oversight of Israel’s nuclear arsenal, urging IAEA supervision and Israeli adherence to the NPT. Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi stressed the importance of UN resolutions and humanitarian access in Palestine, while highlighting concerns over Israel’s nuclear capabilities in the region. Criticism remains over Western nations’ silence regarding Israel’s suspected nuclear armament.
Qatar has reiterated its demand for international oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities, advocating for their supervision under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speaking at the IAEA in Vienna, Qatari Ambassador Jassim Yacoub al-Hammadi emphasized the need for Israel to adopt the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state and place its nuclear facilities under the agency’s safeguards.
Al-Hammadi highlighted that Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern country not to be a signatory of the NPT, a situation rendered more alarming in light of recent conflicts, including Israel’s military actions in Gaza. He urged international compliance with various UN resolutions, calling parallel attention to the 1995 NPT Review Conference which specifically urged Israel to submit its nuclear facilities to IAEA oversight.
The Qatari envoy also stressed the need for Israel to enable the free operation of international organizations and aid agencies in Palestine. He underscored the importance of safeguarding UN properties and critical infrastructure such as schools, medical facilities, transportation, and water resources.
Al-Hammadi concluded by appealing to the international community to enforce resolutions regarding Israel’s compliance, respect for Palestinian self-determination, and initiatives to restore security and stability in the region. Qatar’s current statements reflect a continuation of earlier demands made at the 67th IAEA General Conference held in September 2023.
Despite Israel’s history of not officially acknowledging its nuclear arsenal, estimates by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggest it possesses approximately 90 plutonium warheads, indicating the capacity to produce between 100 and 200 nuclear weapons. Concerns have been raised about the inconsistent international response, particularly the lack of Western critique regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities in contrast to firm stances taken against nations like Iran and North Korea.
In summary, Qatar is pushing for international oversight of Israel’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to the NPT and related UN resolutions. Al-Hammadi’s calls highlight Israel’s unique position in the region concerning its nuclear policies and the pressing need for humanitarian access in Palestine. The lack of Western criticism of Israel’s nuclear capabilities also contrasts sharply with its stance on other nations, raising important questions about consistent international nuclear governance.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
