A Dutch appeals court on Monday, the 12th of February, ordered the government to halt the export of all F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, citing concerns about their use in violations of international law during Israel’s Gaza offensive, while rejecting the government’s request to suspend the order pending an appeal to the Supreme Court, giving the country seven days to comply and eight weeks to appeal the decision, reports Reuters.
“It is undeniable that there is a clear risk that the exported F-35 parts are being used in serious violations of international humanitarian law,” the court said.
The Netherlands is home to a US-owned F-35 parts warehouse that supplies them to various countries, including Israel. The court indicated that the export of F-35 parts to Israel could resume in the future,
provided that they are not used in military operations in Gaza.
In a separate lawsuit in January, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must prevent genocide in the conflict with Hamas, prompting renewed calls by human rights groups for a ban on arms exports to Israel. This case was brought against the Dutch government in December by several human rights groups.
Meanwhile, Israel announced on Monday that two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Hare, 70, had been freed in Rafah in an operation by the Israeli military, the Shin Bet national security service and a special police unit, the military said. Both released hostages are said to be in good condition and are undergoing medical examinations.
Israel announced the release of two hostages as a result of a special operation
Two men were kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. IDF spokesman Richard Hecht said the operation to free the hostages was “very complex.” Explosives were planted in the building… pic.twitter.com/Z2UEtaR7vP
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 12, 2024
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday’s rescue operation showed that military pressure must continue,
ignoring international concerns about plans for a ground assault on Rafah.
Gaza health authorities said 67 people were killed overnight in the Israeli operation and the death toll could rise.
On Sunday the 11th of February, US President Joe Biden advised Netanyahu not to launch a military operation in Rafah without a solid plan for the safety of civilians, according to the White House. Biden has previously criticised the Israeli military response in Gaza as “over the top” and expressed deep concern about the increase in civilian casualties.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 28 000 Palestinians, according to Hamas-led health authorities, and thousands are said to be under the rubble. Israel has denied war crimes allegations, attributing its actions to the Hamas attack of the 7th of October, which killed 1 200 Israelis and led to 240 being taken hostage.
Also read: Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal with 135-day ceasefire plan with full Israeli withdrawal
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