Qatar calls for Israel to come under international nuclear weapons treaty
March 9 (UPI) -- Qatari officials have called on international leaders to bring Israel's nuclear facilities under the watch of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and for Israel to join the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty as a non-nuclear state.
Qatar's Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, Qatar's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations, made the announcement to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna Saturday.
"His Excellency pointed out that all Middle Eastern countries, except Israel, are parties to the NPT and have effective safeguard agreements with the Agency," a statement from the ministry said.
He said Israel continues its aggressive policies toward Palestinians displaced by the ongoing war, including by intensifying military operations in Gaza, blocking humanitarian aid to refugees and maintaining restrictions on United Nations relief efforts in the region.
The latest spasm of violence between the two parties erupted after Hamas launched a surprise terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people.
The resulting violence that has waged for more than 500 days has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the majority of which have been Palestinians, including children.
In addition to the call to bring Israel under the non nuclear treaty, Qatar also called on international monitors to assure that Israel respects and protects the property of the UN and other international organizations, including schools, medical facilities, transportation infrastructure, and water resources, as related personnel.
Israel has not confirmed that it possesses nuclear weapons, but 2024 data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute show that the country most likely has at least 90 warheads in its arsenal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Pope asks God to 'open borders, breakdown barriers' during papal mass
June 8 (UPI) -- Pope Leo asked God to "open borders, break down walls and dispel hatred," during Sunday mass with tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square Sunday. The pontiff has been critical of nationalist political movements and the "exclusionary mindset" they convey, but did not name a specific country or government. "There is no room for prejudice , for 'security zones' separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging in political nationalisms," the pope said during the mass. Leo added that the church "must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race." "People must move beyond our fear of those who are different," he continued, and said the Holy Spirit "breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred." While the pontiff did not mention President Donald Trump by name, he has been critical of his administration and policies. Prior to ascending to pope in May, Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, routinely posted negative comments about Trump and vice-president JD Vance on social media. The Prevost X account was deactivated shortly after he became pope. Prior to Leo, pope Francis, who died earlier this year, was also critical of Trump. "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not a Christian," Francis said about Trump when asked about him in 2016.
UPI
an hour ago
- UPI
Pope asks God to 'open borders, breakdown barriers' during papal mass
Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead a Holy mass for the beginning of his pontificate in St Peter's square in the Vatican in May. File photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo June 8 (UPI) -- Pope Leo asked God to "open borders, break down walls and dispel hatred," during Sunday mass with tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square Sunday. The pontiff has been critical of nationalist political movements and the "exclusionary mindset" they convey, but did not name a specific country or government. "There is no room for prejudice , for 'security zones' separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging in political nationalisms," the pope said during the mass. Leo added that the church "must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race." "People must move beyond our fear of those who are different," he continued, and said the Holy Spirit "breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred." While the pontiff did not mention President Donald Trump by name, he has been critical of his administration and policies. Prior to ascending to pope in May, Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, routinely posted negative comments about Trump and vice-president JD Vance on social media. The Prevost X account was deactivated shortly after he became pope. Prior to Leo, pope Francis, who died earlier this year, was also critical of Trump. "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not a Christian," Francis said about Trump when asked about him in 2016.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Marchers rally on the National Mall for WorldPride 2025
June 8 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Sunday as part of WorldPride 2025 to protest what organizers called a "coordinated and systemic attack" on human rights. The rally, which promotes LGBTQ+ visibility with events around the world and pushes back on an increasingly hostile attitude towards gay, lesbian and transgender people that organizers said has been stepped up under the Trump administration. "Our fundamental freedoms -- and our very democracy -- are at risk," a statement on the WorldPride website said. "And if we fail to recognize the urgency of this moment, we'll only have ourselves to blame. Resist the marginalization and persecution of people just for being who they are." The Washington event, which saw marchers gather at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, is being hosted by DC's Capital Pride Alliance, which is marking 50 years of celebrating Pride Month in the capital. Marchers gathered near the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial waving rainbow colored Pride flags representing transgender and bisexual communities and held up signs that read "Proud and Gay," "Trans rights are human rights," and "Gender affirming care saved my life." The rally and march on the National Mall came a day after a march through the streets of Washington. The Sunday event is scheduled to conclude with a festival and concert. Former vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris made an unannounced appearance at the Sunday event. Hundreds of people gathered along the parade route, and marchers waved rainbow flags and balloons as they gathered along the steps and columns of the National City Christian Church. June is Pride Month and is celebrated this year amid President Donald Trump's push to remove transgender members from the military and roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies at federal agencies and at universities that receive federal money.
