Several human rights organizations that had filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands against arms exports to Israel have now achieved a partial victory: an appeals court on Monday banned the export of parts for the F-35 fighter jet, justifying the decision with concerns that the fighter jets were equipped with them in Gaza -War could be used for violations of international law.
“It cannot be denied that there is a clear risk that the exported F-35 parts will be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law,” the ruling said. The government must comply with the order within seven days. The court rejected a government request to suspend enforcement of the export ban pending an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Netherlands: “F-35 crucial for Israeli security”
“The supply of American F-35 parts to Israel is not unjustified,” replied Trade Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen. The F-35s are crucial to Israel’s security and its ability to protect itself from threats in the region, “for example from Iran, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.”
The lawsuit against the Dutch government was filed in December 2023 by several human rights organizations, including the Dutch subsidiary of aid organization Oxfam. The Netherlands is home to one of many American-owned regional warehouses for F-35 parts. From there, they are distributed to countries that request them, including Israel in at least one shipment since the radical Islamist Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
In another court case, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations’ highest court, called on Israel in January to take measures to prevent genocide in the war against Hamas. The ruling led to renewed calls from human rights organizations for a ban on arms exports to Israel. According to reports, similar lawsuits against arms exports are being prepared in other countries as in the Netherlands.
The EU’s chief diplomat has doubts about arms deliveries at all
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell questioned arms deliveries to Israel. “If the international community believes that this is a massacre, that too many people are being killed, then perhaps we should think about supplying weapons,” the former Spanish foreign minister said.
At the same time, Borrell criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to protect civilians. “Everyone goes to Tel Aviv and begs not to do that, to spare civilians, not to kill so many people,” the EU chief diplomat said, visibly irritated. “How much is too much?” What is the benchmark? Netanyahu doesn’t listen to anyone anymore.” Netanyahu has announced an evacuation of Rafah. “Where? To the moon? “Where do you want to keep these people safe?” Borrell asked.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
