Dutch and Palestinian NGOs Take Legal Action Against Dutch Government Over Genocide in Gaza and International Law Violations
The Hague, Netherlands — Dutch and Palestinian NGOs sue Dutch state for failing to prevent genocide in Gaza and uphold international law Dutch genocide Gaza law arms goods
Today marks a historic and urgent step in the pursuit of justice for Gaza. A coalition of Dutch and Palestinian NGOs has filed a lawsuit against the Dutch government, demanding it fulfill its legal obligations to prevent genocide in Gaza and respect international law. This coalition, led by organizations like Al-Haq, Al Mezan, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Stichting Palestina and supported by Law for Palestine, ELSC, and PIPD as part of the Justice and Accountability Initiative, calls on the Netherlands to halt all arms exports and trade practices that perpetuate the occupation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Dutch State’s Responsibility Under International Law
The Netherlands, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, is bound to prevent genocide. Yet, despite mounting evidence, UN expert warnings, and the most recent ICJ Advisory Opinion, the Dutch government continues to export arms and dual-use goods to Israel, contributing to severe human rights violations in Gaza. This case, supported by Law for Palestine (L4P), European Legal Support Center (ELSC), and Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy (PIPD) as part of the Justice and Accountability Initiative, seeks to compel the Dutch government to uphold its commitments under international law.
Pressing Legal and Humanitarian Context
The coalition’s legal filing follows the ICJ’s January 2024 findings on the risk of genocide in Gaza and a recent Dutch Court of Appeal ruling highlighting grave violations of humanitarian law. Since October 2023, the crisis has only worsened, with thousands of fatalities resulting from blocked access to essential resources. Despite these warnings, the Dutch government has continued its arms exports and military collaboration with Israel, intensifying the situation on the ground.
Spreading the word on social media, within your networks, and within your WhatsApp groups will massively help amplify our message and garner more support for the case!
For media inquiries or further details, contact representatives from the coalition organizations, including the European Legal Support Center (ELSC), and SOMO.
Together, we can press the Dutch government to meet its obligations and advance the fight for justice in Gaza.
