In a landmark ruling, a Dutch appeals court has mandated the government of the Netherlands to cease shipments of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. The court cited the Israeli military's ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip as the basis for its decision. It expressed concern over the potential for serious violations of international humanitarian law arising from the use of F-35 fighter jets by the Israeli military.

The court's ruling, delivered on Monday, was welcomed by the Dutch affiliate of international humanitarian group Oxfam, along with two other non-governmental human rights organizations that had filed a lawsuit against the government in December. Oxfam stated that the judge's favorable ruling is a significant development, particularly for civilians in Gaza, and emphasizes the need for the Dutch government to uphold international law.

Israel has denied allegations of violating international law, arguing that its military campaign in Gaza aims to quell Hamas and secure the release of hostages held since the militant group's deadly attack on October 7. However, the court highlighted the disproportionate number of civilian casualties, including thousands of children, resulting from Israel's attacks on Gaza.

The Dutch government has been instructed by the court to enforce the decision within seven days, with an allowance of eight weeks to appeal the ruling. While the government states its intention to comply with the decision, it also plans to lodge an appeal with the Dutch Supreme Court. In its statement, the government contended that the distribution of American F-35 parts is not unlawful and that the court failed to consider the state's role in shaping foreign policy.

The Israeli division of Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, is reportedly evaluating the potential impact of the court's decision on its supply chain, according to The Times of Israel. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom faces a similar lawsuit initiated by two human rights groups seeking to prevent weapons exports to Israel.

The timing of the court's ruling coincides with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's visit to Israel, where he is engaging in discussions with Israeli and Palestinian Authority leaders to address the ongoing conflict. The news comes following a night of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 individuals according to local health officials. The Israeli bombardment has led to the loss of more than 28,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, as reported by the Health Ministry there. Israeli officials claim that this military campaign was launched in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas, which claimed the lives of 1,200 people and led to the hostage-taking of 240 individuals.