The Netherlands must stop delivering parts of F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in the Gaza Strip, a Dutch court ruled on Monday, ruling in favor of human rights organizations.
“The court orders the State to cease all actual export and transit of F-35 parts to the final destination Israel within 7 days of service of this judgment
,” declared the Court of Appeal in The Hague.
The court found that there are risks that these parts could be used in actions violating international humanitarian law by striking civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas.
Furthermore, the court ruled that maintaining good relations with the United States and Israel, at stake in this case according to the Dutch state, were not a good argument for continuing the export of the parts.
“Violations” of international law
The court thus annulled the verdict delivered at first instance in this case.
The Hague District Court ruled in December that the provision of the documents was primarily a political decision in which judges should not interfere.
A collective of human rights organizations filed the lawsuit, arguing that the provision of these documents contributes to Israel's alleged violations of international law in its war against Hamas.
The case involves F-35 parts owned by the United States and stored in the Netherlands from where they are sent to partner countries, including Israel, under export agreements.
Dutch authorities said in November that it was not clear whether they had the right to intervene in the deliveries, made as part of a US-led operation to provide spare parts for all F-35s. partner countries.
International law experts told AFP that human rights violations were likely committed by both sides in the conflict.