NGOs sue to halt arms exports to Israel

NGOs are suing the National Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark to stop Danish arms exports to Israel. The lawsuit follows a Dutch court’s decision in February 2024 to halt weapon exports related to F35 fighters to Israel, citing violations of EU and UN arms trading regulations, both signed by Denmark. These exports have the potential to be complicit in severe crimes against civilians in Gaza, writes Amnesty International. They may also risk making Denmark an accomplice in violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes and possible genocide. The groups, including Amnesty International Denmark, Oxfam Denmark, and ActionAid Denmark (Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke), argue Denmark has a duty to ensure exports do not contribute to such violations. The Danish state is urged to halt arms exports due to these risks.