PAX, together with Oxfam Novib and The Rights Forum, filed summary proceedings against the Dutch state. On appeal, we won this case! The court in The Hague ruled in our favour and ordered the State to stop further exports of F-35 parts to Israel within 7 days.
In its judgment, the court states (link, Dutch only) that there is a clear risk that Israel’s F-35 fighter jets will commit serious violations of humanitarian law of war in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s attacks do not take sufficient account of the impact on civilians, resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties, including thousands of children.
‘The international obligation of humanitarian law of war outweighs economic and political interests, it has been confirmed today,’ said Rolien Sasse, Director of PAX, ‘Today’s ruling puts an end to the continued export of the F-35 components and that is incredibly good news. The Dutch cabinet must now also support the international coalition for a ceasefire.”
“Let today be an important moment,” said Michiel Servaes, Director of Oxfam Novib, “Hopefully this will be a turning point, at least in the way the Netherlands is acting in this terrible war.
Although the government says it feels bound by the court’s ruling, it also announced today that it will appeal in cassation.