Amman – Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud, has accused Israel of violating international law with its threat to use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
According to Jordan News Agency, this stance by Israel not only undermines global security efforts but also constitutes a breach of jus cogens, a fundamental principle of international law. He expressed these views during the fourth session of the UN Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of nuclear weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction held on Monday.
Hmoud emphasized that Israel’s security and stability cannot be attained without addressing the core issue of Palestinian statehood. He stated that a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, acknowledging the rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is essential. This approach, he argued, is in line with international law, the UN Charter, and various resolutions of international legitimacy.
Further criticizing Israel’s stance on nuclear disarmament, Hmoud highlighted Israel’s absence from the conference and its refusal to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT). He also noted Israel’s non-compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) comprehensive safeguards system, describing this as a blatant disregard for global nuclear disarmament efforts.
In his keynote address, Hmoud alleged that Israel has made threats, through one of its current government ministers, to use atomic bombs against civilians in the Gaza Strip. He stressed that the use of WMDs and the threat thereof are internationally prohibited and violate the jus cogens norms of international law.
Referencing the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on nuclear weapons, Hmoud underscored the seriousness of these threats, equating them to a potential act of genocide. He called for a collective international responsibility to prevent such actions.
Hmoud concluded his speech by urging the international community to intensify efforts towards establishing a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. He highlighted the importance of this initiative, referencing United Nations Security Council Resolutions No. 487 of 1981 and Resolution 687 of 1991, which fall under Chapter Seven of the United Nations Charter.