Pro-Palestinian Groups Push for Dutch Ban on Arms Exports to Israel
Ten pro-Palestinian organizations urged a Dutch court on Friday to block the Netherlands from exporting weapons to Israel and engaging in trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. The groups cited significant civilian casualties in Gaza and claimed the Dutch government has a legal obligation to act under international law.
Calls for Action Under Genocide Convention
The plaintiffs, including organizations like Al Haq, Al Mezan, and Een Ander Joods Geluid, argue that the Netherlands is failing its duties under the 1948 Genocide Convention. They emphasized the country’s responsibility to take all reasonable measures to prevent genocide, particularly in light of recent allegations surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
“The Dutch state must immediately cease military exports and cooperation with Israel,” said lawyer Wout Albers, representing the NGOs.
Allegations of Genocide and Civilian Harm
The case, heard in The Hague, references a January advisory ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that called on Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. The plaintiffs highlighted what they described as unprecedented destruction and mass civilian casualties.
Ahmed Abofoul, a legal advisor for one of the NGOs, shared personal testimony, stating that 80 of his relatives, including children, had been killed in the conflict. “As a Dutch citizen, it’s devastating to know my taxes are funding weapons used in this war,” he told the court.
ICC Warrants for Israeli Leaders
The hearing coincided with the International Criminal Court’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a former defense chief. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity, such as persecution, murder, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
Israel dismissed the accusations as baseless and called the ICC warrants “shameful and absurd,” maintaining that its military campaign targets Hamas and other armed groups that operate within civilian areas.
Dutch Government Defends Its Policy
The Dutch government rejected the demands, arguing that foreign policy decisions toward Israel fall outside the court’s jurisdiction. “The Dutch state is not contributing to attacks on Gaza or supporting settlements in occupied territories,” said state lawyer Reimer Veldhuis.
Earlier this year, a Dutch court temporarily blocked the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel over concerns about their use in the Gaza conflict. That decision is currently under appeal.
Verdict Expected in December
The court is expected to deliver its decision on the NGO request by December 13. Meanwhile, a planned visit to Israel by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has been postponed following the ICC arrest warrants.
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