Netherlands calls for ban on arms exports to Israel

A coalition of ten Dutch and Palestinian human rights organizations has presented arguments in court advocating for an immediate ban on arms shipments to Israel.

Lawyers representing human rights activists argue that the Netherlands is negligent for failing to intervene in Israel's violations of Palestinian rights, Caliber.Az reports via Dutch media.

They stated, “This is not merely a political choice; it is about guarantees of fundamental respect for international law.” Their lawsuit seeks to halt the export of weapons, spare parts, and dual-use goods to Israel, which includes military equipment, night vision devices, and ammunition supplied to the U.S. that ultimately reaches Israel.

The lawyers for the Dutch government did not dispute the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, they contended that judges should not be held responsible for determining a state's foreign policy. They also indicated that, given the current situation in Gaza, it is unlikely that the government would grant licenses for arms exports to Israel.

The proceedings are being expedited, with a court decision expected in three weeks.

In a related context, Dutch Foreign Ministry head Caspar Veldkamp stated that the Netherlands would comply with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant if they were to enter the country. Veldkamp also mentioned that the Netherlands intends to limit non-critical contacts with both Netanyahu and Gallant, as well as with Mohammed al-Deif, the commander of Hamas's military wing, who also faces an arrest warrant.

Despite these measures, Veldkamp plans to visit the Middle East soon. Additionally, Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Freedom Party and head of the largest political force in the Netherlands, is scheduled to travel to Israel next month. Wilders aims to visit illegal Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, an action that Veldkamp noted contradicts the government's policy. However, he emphasized that the government cannot dictate to members of parliament what they can or cannot do.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Galant on November 21, suspecting them of “crimes against humanity and war crimes” committed between October 8, 2023, and May 20, 2024. The Pre-Trial Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that both leaders were guilty of using starvation as a method of warfare, as well as committing murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, including deliberate attacks on civilians.

On the same day, the ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed al-Deif, who was reported dead by the Israeli army in August. Deif oversaw the construction of a complex network of tunnels in Gaza and directed Hamas's combat operations.

By Tamilla Hasanova