Dutch Court Hears Case to Halt Arms Exports to Israel

Amsterdam (Quds News Network)- Ten pro-Palestine organizations presented a case in a Dutch court on Friday, urging the Netherlands to cease arms exports to Israel and end trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

The groups cited high civilian casualties in Gaza and violations of international law as grounds for their demand.

The plaintiffs, including Palestinian rights groups Al Haq and Al Mezan and Dutch group Een Ander Joods Geluid (Another Jewish Voice), argue that the Netherlands, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a legal obligation to take all reasonable measures to prevent genocide.

Lawyer Wout Albers, representing the NGOs, stated, “The Dutch government has failed to act responsibly by continuing to export arms components and maintaining military cooperation with Israel. This must stop immediately.”

Genocide and ICC Warrants

The case is rooted in a January directive by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. The NGOs pointed to the large-scale civilian casualties and destruction in Gaza as evidence of such crimes.

Additionally, the plaintiffs referenced arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants accuse them of war crimes, including persecution, murder, and using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.

Government’s Position

Lawyers representing the Dutch government countered that the judiciary should not interfere with foreign policy. They claimed that the Netherlands neither contributes to Israeli military operations in Gaza nor supports the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories.

“The Dutch state is not aiding attacks on Gaza or the occupation of Palestinian lands,” government lawyer Reimer Veldhuis told the court.

In February, a Dutch court ruled to block the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel due to concerns over their use in violations of international law. The government has appealed that decision.

The current case is expected to receive a verdict by December 13. Meanwhile, Dutch authorities announced the postponement of Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp’s visit to Israel following the ICC arrest warrants.

If successful, the NGOs’ lawsuit could have significant implications for Dutch military exports and trade policies with the occupation state.