A Brussels court ruled Thursday that the Flemish government must immediately block transit to Israel of all goods that can be used in military equipment.
The decision represents a victory for four NGOs that accused the Flemish government of failing to meet its obligations under international law when it comes to the transfer of military gear from various originating countries through the port of Antwerp.
The NGOs — Vredesactie, INTAL, 11.11.11 and the Human Rights League — took action after a container with tapered roller bearings, headed to Israeli defense company Ashot Ashkelon, was intercepted in the port for inspection.
According to the NGOs, the Israeli army uses the bearings for the production of Merkava tanks and Namer armored vehicles, which are being deployed in Gaza where Israel has been waging war on Hamas militants while besieging the coastal enclave, sparking a dire humanitarian situation.
The court ultimately banned the shipment of dual-use goods from leaving and said the Flemish government must “stop all transit to Israel of defense-related products and other materials usable for military purposes for which there is no concrete assurance that they are intended solely for civilian end-use.” The Flemish government will face a €50,000 fine if it violates the court order.
POLITICO has contacted both the Flemish government and the Israeli government for comment.
11.11.11, one of the NGOs involved, called the decision a landmark ruling.
“This historic decision recognizes the Flemish government’s heavy legal responsibility for facilitating military missions in a state that commits war crimes, even genocide. The Court affirms what politicians refuse to acknowledge,” the organization said in a press release.
On Thursday, Israeli strikes hit the only Catholic church in Gaza, killing people and injuring several others, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The death toll in the strip has surpassed 58,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
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