The recent remarks made by Israel’s Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, suggesting the possibility of a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip, have drawn swift condemnations from China, Iran, and various Arab nations. These countries have deemed the statements a threat to global peace.
The Shocking Remarks:
During a radio interview on Sunday, Minister Eliyahu made controversial statements, which he later referred to as “metaphorical.” Nevertheless, the global community expressed grave concerns over the implications of such remarks. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu promptly disavowed the comments and suspended Eliyahu from cabinet meetings.
China’s Call for Condemnation:
China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Geng Shuang, labeled the remarks “extremely irresponsible and disturbing,” urging Israeli officials to retract the statement. China emphasized the importance of Israel becoming a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and joining efforts to establish a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East. The urgency increased, considering the volatile situation in the region.
International Consensus for Peace:
The U.N. disarmament chief, Izumi Nakamitsu, emphasized the inadmissibility of any threat to use nuclear weapons and reiterated the need for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Diplomatic efforts and cool heads, she stressed, should prevail to achieve peace based on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
Arab Nations Speaking Out:
Oman’s U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Al-Hassan, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned the Israeli threat to use nuclear weapons in Gaza. He criticized Israel’s disregard for innocent lives and called for decisive action by the U.N. Security Council and the IAEA. Similarly, Lebanon’s Charge d’Affaires, Hadi Hachem, highlighted the serious threat to regional and international peace posed by Israel’s acknowledgment of nuclear weapons and urged Israel to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
Iran’s Concerns:
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Iravani raised concerns about the nuclear threats toward Palestinians, emphasizing the secrecy surrounding Israel’s nuclear capabilities and its impact on regional stability. Urging the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, Iran underscored the need for immediate action in these critical times.
Israel’s Perspective:
While Israel did not speak at the conference, Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently cited the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran as his country’s biggest threat. Israel remains prepared to prevent such an occurrence.
Efforts to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East have spanned decades, with various resolutions calling for its establishment. The recent controversy surrounding Israel’s nuclear option underscores the urgency and the need for all nations to contribute towards peace and stability in the region. As the global community condemns these remarks, diplomatic efforts and dialogue remain crucial to ensure a secure and peaceful future for all.
Market Capital Research 