Qatar Urges IAEA Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities Amid Rising Tensions
During the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Qatar called for increased international efforts to place Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight and for Israel to join the NPT. Ambassador Al-Hammadi highlighted the need for compliance with UN resolutions and expressed concerns regarding Israel’s military operations and humanitarian restrictions in Palestinian territories. Qatar also submitted a memorandum to the ICJ regarding Israel’s obligations to allow humanitarian agencies to operate.
In a recent statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called for enhanced international efforts to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under oversight from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This plea was made during the IAEA Board of Governors meeting held in Vienna, emphasizing the need for Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Jassim Yacoub Al-Hammadi, Qatar’s ambassador to Austria and permanent representative to UN offices in Vienna, underscored the importance of the international community adhering to various UN Security Council resolutions and frameworks. He pointed out that these documents have urged Israel to submit its nuclear capabilities for IAEA scrutiny and to enter the NPT as a non-nuclear state.
The ambassador highlighted that every country in the Middle East, excluding Israel, is a participant in the NPT and has established safeguard agreements with the IAEA. He characterized Israel’s stance as aggressive, linking it to ongoing military operations in the West Bank and humanitarian issues in Gaza.
Moreover, Qatar has initiated additional legal proceedings by submitting a memorandum to the International Court of Justice. This document requests an advisory opinion concerning Israel’s obligations to UN activities and international organizations, particularly those aiding humanitarian efforts.
The memorandum stresses Israel’s responsibilities to allow humanitarian organizations, particularly UNRWA, to function effectively in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. It emphasizes the need for Israel to safeguard UN properties and personnel involved in these humanitarian efforts.
Al-Hammadi concluded by urging the international community to take assertive action to ensure Israel’s compliance with international directives, acknowledge Palestinian rights to self-determination, and restore peace and stability in the region.
Qatar’s demands for IAEA oversight of Israeli nuclear facilities reflect its commitment to promoting transparency and adherence to international treaties. The appeal underscores ongoing tensions in the Middle East, highlighting Israel’s non-participation in the NPT compared to its neighbors. The call for international accountability, including an advisory opinion from the ICJ on humanitarian operations, further emphasizes Qatar’s pivotal role in advocating for Palestinian rights and regional stability.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
