In a significant ruling, an appeals court in the Netherlands has ordered the Dutch government to suspend the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. The court cited a "clear risk" that these parts were being utilized by Israel in violation of international humanitarian law during the Gaza conflict.

The decision came in response to a civil suit filed by human rights organizations Oxfam Novib, Pax Nederland, and The Rights Forum in December. The organizations argued that the Dutch authorities must reconsider the export license in light of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

Judge Bas Boele, while reading out the ruling, emphasized that there was undeniable evidence of a clear risk that the exported F-35 parts could be used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The announcement garnered cheers from several people present in the courtroom. As per the court's order, the exports must come to a halt within seven days.

The case initially faced a setback in January when a lower court favored the Dutch government, allowing the exporting of US-owned parts stored at a warehouse in Woensdrecht to Israel. However, this ruling has now been overturned, underlining the court's concern about potential Dutch complicity in war crimes during Israel's conflict with Hamas.

Notably, the Netherlands is home to one of three F-35 European regional warehouses, which adds significance to the court's decision. Meanwhile, similar actions are being taken by human rights groups in the United Kingdom, where they have filed a lawsuit aiming to block weapon exports to Israel.

The recent decision by the United Nations' top court, ordering Israel to prevent death, destruction, and any acts of genocide in Gaza, may have influenced the Dutch court's ruling. Although the appeal in the Dutch case was heard before this decision, legal experts believe that the judges likely considered the binding order from the International Court of Justice.

Despite the ruling, the Dutch authorities still have some leeway, permitting them to export aircraft parts for operations other than those in Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that they are studying the court's decision. The government has an eight-week window to lodge an appeal, although the prohibition on exports will remain in force for now.