Dutch Advocate General Backs F-35 Export Ban to Israel

The Advocate General of the Netherlands' Supreme Court has recommended upholding a ban on the export of F-35 components to Israel, citing a clear risk of their use in serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. This advice follows a previous ruling by the Hague Court of Appeal, which found that the Dutch government had not adequately assessed this risk. Human rights organizations, including Oxfam, have argued that the Netherlands would be complicit in war crimes by exporting these parts, which are stored in a Dutch warehouse. Despite the Dutch government's appeal against the ban, the Advocate General's opinion, while not binding, is often followed by the court. The Supreme Court is expected to make a swift ruling on the matter, as concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza continue to grow. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has led to significant casualties in Gaza, further intensifying the urgency of the ruling.