A Dutch appeals court has ordered the Netherlands to cease supplying parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The ruling, delivered on Monday, mandates a halt to all exports within seven days.
The court found a "clear risk" that the Israeli military could use the aircraft in operations violating international law during its ongoing offensive in Gaza. This decision overturns a previous lower court ruling that had permitted continued exports.
The case was brought by human rights organizations, including Oxfam Novib, who argued that Dutch involvement in supplying these components made the country complicit in potential war crimes. The Dutch government, which had appealed an earlier injunction against the exports, now faces the prospect of disrupting a key military supply chain.
While the Netherlands hosts an F-35 parts warehouse, officials emphasize that final export decisions rest with the United States. The Dutch defence ministry has stated it will carefully review the court's decision before determining its next steps.
This ruling comes amid growing international scrutiny of arms supplies to Israel during its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties according to Palestinian health authorities.
