The Netherlands must stop delivering parts for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in the Gaza Strip. The ruling was made on Monday by the Appeals Court in The Hague, which sided with human rights organizations. The court ordered the State to end the export of F-35 parts to Israel within 7 days. The US-owned F-35 parts are stored in the Netherlands and then shipped to several partners, including Israel.
The District Court in The Hague had previously said that supplying the parts was primarily a political decision. However, the appeals court overturned this ruling, stating that the Netherlands must prohibit the export of military goods if there is a clear risk of serious violations of humanitarian law of war. The court also criticized Israel’s conduct, citing a disproportionate number of civilian casualties, including thousands of children.
The attacks in Gaza were initiated by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, resulting in the deaths of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s response has been a relentless offensive in Gaza, resulting in thousands more deaths, including women and children.
Dutch authorities have said it was not clear whether they had the power to intervene in the deliveries, part of a US-run operation supplying parts to all F-35 partners. Export licenses were granted in 2016 for an unlimited time, but the court ruled that the situation had changed, and the government had to take that into account. The Dutch government has expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
International law experts believe that human rights violations are likely being carried out by both parties to the conflict. The International Court of Justice in The Hague has said that Israel must do everything possible to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. This ruling has been welcomed by rights groups involved in the appeal.
