Qatar Advocates for IAEA Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities and NPT Membership
Qatar has called for all Israeli nuclear facilities to be under IAEA safeguards and for Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. Qatar’s Ambassador, HE Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, made this statement at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, addressing Israel’s nuclear capabilities. Qatar has also submitted a memorandum to the ICJ regarding Israel’s obligations to international organizations in occupied territories, stressing the need for humanitarian access and protection of resources.
The State of Qatar has urged the international community to enhance efforts in placing all Israeli nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and to encourage Israel to become a non-nuclear state by joining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This declaration was made by Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Nations Office in Vienna, HE Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, during an IAEA Board of Governors session addressing Israel’s nuclear capabilities and the situation in the Palestinian territories.
During his address, HE Al Hammadi highlighted the importance of adhering to international resolutions mandated by the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the IAEA, particularly those from the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which called for Israel to subject its nuclear assets to IAEA oversight. He remarked that, apart from Israel, all other Middle Eastern nations are party to the NPT and have established safeguard agreements with the Agency.
In light of escalating tensions, HE Al Hammadi criticized Israel’s aggressive policies, including calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians, military actions in the West Bank, and the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He noted the detrimental effect of these actions on the Palestinian population and on the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Additionally, Qatar has submitted a written memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning a request for an advisory opinion based on a UN General Assembly resolution from December 2024. This memorandum seeks to elucidate Israel’s responsibilities regarding the operations of UN and other international bodies within its territories.
The memorandum insists on Israel’s obligation to permit UN operations, particularly those of UNRWA, and other humanitarian organizations in the occupied territories, as well as to protect the property and personnel of these organizations, including vital infrastructure and resources.
Concluding his remarks, HE Al Hammadi emphasized the need for immediate and decisive actions from the international community to enforce compliance with international resolutions, recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination, and help restore stability in the region, thus mitigating broader global dangers.
In conclusion, Qatar has called for international efforts to ensure Israel’s nuclear facilities come under IAEA supervision and for Israel to adopt non-nuclear state status under the NPT. This demand aligns with prior UN and IAEA resolutions. Qatar’s submission to the ICJ seeks to confirm Israel’s obligations under international law, advocating for humanitarian access and the protection of infrastructure in Palestine. The urgency of addressing these matters is paramount to achieving peace and security in the Middle East.
Original Source: mofa.gov.qa
