Qatar Advocates for International Oversight of Israeli Nuclear Facilities

Qatar has called for international action to place Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and for Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. Ambassador Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi emphasized adherence to UN resolutions and criticized Israel’s policies affecting Palestinian territories. Qatar submitted a memorandum to the ICJ concerning Israel’s obligations towards the UN and humanitarian agencies.

On March 8, 2025, the State of Qatar urged for increased international initiatives to place all Israeli nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Qatar also called for Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state. This statement was presented by HE Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Vienna, during an IAEA Board of Governors session that discussed Israel’s nuclear capabilities and the circumstances in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Ambassador Al Hammadi highlighted the necessity for global entities to adhere to their responsibilities under various UN resolutions. These include mandates from the UN Security Council and General Assembly, as well as the outcomes of the 1995 NPT Review Conference, all of which call for Israel to place its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. He emphasized that several resolutions specifically urged Israel to become a non-nuclear party to the NPT.

Furthermore, His Excellency noted that all Middle Eastern nations, apart from Israel, are NPT signatories and maintain effective safeguard agreements with the IAEA. He criticized Israel’s ongoing aggressive policies, including heightened calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians, escalation of military actions in the West Bank, blocking of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and restrictions on the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Recently, Qatar provided a written memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking an advisory opinion in relation to a UN General Assembly resolution issued on December 19, 2024. This request aims to clarify Israel’s obligations concerning the participation of the UN and other organizations, as well as third-party states.

In his remarks, Al Hammadi reaffirmed that Israel is obligated to permit UN agencies, particularly UNRWA and humanitarian organizations, to function within Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. He stressed the importance of Israel respecting and safeguarding UN properties and facilities, including schools, medical centers, transportation infrastructure, water resources, and the safety of personnel.

In conclusion, HE Al Hammadi reiterated the pressing need for the international community to take assertive measures that compel Israel to adhere to international resolutions, acknowledge the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, support the establishment of their independent state, and work towards restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, thus mitigating further global conflicts.

In summary, Qatar has advocated for the integration of Israeli nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards and requested Israel’s accession to the NPT as a non-nuclear state. The call underscores the necessity for compliance with international resolutions and highlights the existing humanitarian crises in the occupied Palestinian territories. Qatar’s efforts, including a memorandum to the ICJ, emphasize Israel’s responsibilities towards UN agencies, signifying a broader push for regional stability and peace.

Original Source: mofa.gov.qa