Dutch Court Rejects Bid to Halt Arms Exports to Israel

Amsterdam (Quds News Network)- A Dutch court on Friday dismissed a case filed by 10 pro-Palestine NGOs. The groups had sought to stop the Netherlands from exporting weapons to Israel and trading with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

The Hague District Court ruled that the state has leeway in setting export policies. It stated that courts should avoid intervening hastily.

“There is no reason to impose a total ban on the export of military and dual-use goods,” the court said in its statement. It rejected all claims from the NGOs.

NGOs Cite Genocide Convention

The plaintiffs argued that the Dutch government violated its duty under the 1948 Genocide Convention. They cited high civilian casualties in Gaza and stressed that Dutch arms were being used in acts of genocide and apartheid.

The NGOs referenced a January International Court of Justice order urging Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza. They also pointed to a previous Dutch court ruling that halted F-35 fighter jet component exports to Israel due to concerns over war crimes. That decision is under appeal.

Human Rights Groups Condemn Ruling

Al-Haq’s director, Shawan Jabarin, called the ruling an “abominable injustice.” He said that the Netherlands have ignored international law and are enabling colonization, apartheid, and genocide.

The ruling comes amid ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. On Thursday, an Israeli strike on a refugee camp killed at least 40 Palestinians. The Health Ministry reports over 44,800 deaths since the genocide began, most of them women and children.

Amnesty International recently stressed thar Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies this even as ts officials continue to call for the emptying Gaza. Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned of severe humanitarian crises, with tens of thousands in Gaza lacking food, water, and medical aid due to Israeli blockades.

The NGOs are considering an appeal against the court’s decision.