The Dutch state is not obliged to take specific measures against Israel against the background of the genocidal violence in Gaza. The Court of Appeal in The Hague appealed this on Thursday decided. The Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq and several other organizations appealed after the judge had previously ruled that the state cannot be obliged to make additional efforts against Israel.
The judge writes that it is “plausible” that there is “a risk of genocide and serious violations of human rights.” But it is “in principle” not up to the court “to prescribe to the State what measures must be taken to prevent this.” In that judgment, the judge also takes into account that the Netherlands has already taken a number of measures.
Dutch dogs
Al-Haq asked, among other things, to ban the export of Dutch weapons to Israel. The judge points out that no license is granted for arms exports “if there is a risk” that weapons “will be deployed in Gaza.” Regarding the use of Dutch dogs by the Israeli army, the judge says that this can only be prohibited through a change in the law.
“The judge has no authority to order the government to make such a change.” There is also “insufficient reason” to force the state to take action against companies that trade with Israel aimed at illegal settlements in the West Bank occupied by that country.
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