In a recent development, a Dutch court has dismissed a case brought by human rights organisations regarding the delivery of F-35 fighter jet parts, which are used by Israel in its war in Gaza. The case was brought against the United States-owned F-35 parts, which are stored at a warehouse in the Netherlands and then shipped to various partners, including Israel, via existing export agreements.

The dismissal of the case comes despite the arguments put forth by NGOs, including the local branches of Amnesty International and Oxfam, who claimed that the supply route makes the Netherlands complicit in the ongoing war. However, Dutch authorities have stated that it remains unclear whether they possess the authority to intervene in the deliveries, as they are part of a US-run operation.

In a letter to parliament, the Dutch government stated, "On the basis of current information on the deployment of Israeli F-35s, it cannot be established that the F-35s are involved in serious violations of humanitarian law of war." This statement was promptly dismissed by Liesbeth Zegveld, a human rights lawyer representing the plaintiffs, who referred to it as "nonsense."

Government lawyers also argued that if the Netherlands were to refrain from supplying the F-35 parts, Israel could easily obtain them through alternative means. This further influenced the court's decision to dismiss the case.

The war in Gaza has been ongoing for three months, sparked by an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7. The conflict has resulted in a staggering number of casualties, with approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, losing their lives. Gaza's Ministry of Health reports that the war has resulted in more than 18,700 deaths, mostly women and children, and has left nearly 51,000 injured. Tragically, it is suspected that there are thousands more buried under the rubble.

Israel's bombardment of Gaza has increasingly faced criticism, even from its closest ally, the US. However, this recent court decision in the Netherlands indicates that the supply of F-35 parts from the country to Israel will continue.

As the war in Gaza rages on, the debate surrounding complicity in conflict and the responsibility of nations involved in such supply chains remain contentious issues. The decision by the Dutch court has left human rights organisations disappointed, as they continue to advocate for greater accountability and adherence to international humanitarian laws.