The Dutch Court of Appeal in The Hague has imposed a seven-day halt to the Netherlands’ supply of parts destined for Israeli F-35 fighter aeroplanes.
The ruling comes following a lawsuit initiated by human rights organisations Oxfam Novib, PAX, and The Rights Forum.
These organisations demanded the total export ban because of concerns that the F-35s may be used in possible genocide or violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip, a claim initially dismissed in court.
However, the appeals court ruled that maintaining good relations with the United States and Israel, a point raised by the Netherlands, is not a valid reason to continue the military exports.
The parts in question are held at a logistical centre at the Woensdrecht air base in the Netherlands, from where they are shipped to all F35-using European countries, including Israel.
In response, the Dutch government said on Monday it will appeal the decision.
