Dutch Supreme Court orders govt to review licence

THE HAGUE, Oct 04 (AP/AFP): The Netherlands' highest court on Friday ordered the Dutch government to reconsider its suspended license for the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel, amid concerns the parts could be used in violations of international law.
The Supreme Court ruled that the suspension of exports will remain in effect while the government reassesses the license. Court Vice President Martijn Polak said the government has six weeks to complete the review.
The judgment overturned a decision by The Hague Appeals Court, which in February 2024 banned the transfer of F-35 parts to Israel, citing the risk they could be used to commit serious breaches of humanitarian law. That ruling prompted the government to suspend the exports.
Friday's ruling comes as Israel presses ahead with its devastating military campaign in Gaza and while the Netherlands faces political uncertainty ahead of national elections on October 29.
The case was initiated in late 2023 by three Dutch human rights groups who argued that supplying the F-35 parts made the Netherlands complicit in alleged war crimes by Israel in Gaza. Israel denies such allegations.
Hostage families urge
end to Gaza war
The families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Saturday said it was "essential" to end the Gaza war immediately, as Israel bombarded the territory even after US President Donald Trump called on it to stop.
Trump had urged Israel to stop its bombardment of the Palestinian territory after Hamas agreed to release all hostages and begin talks on the details of his peace plan.
Hamas said it was ready to release hostages held in Gaza, but wanted negotiations on the details of Trump's plan and a say in the future of the Palestinian territory.
"The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages-living and remains-according to the exchange formula included in President Trump's proposal," Hamas said in a statement Friday.
Trump later posted on Truth Social: "Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!"
Turkey's 36 nationals
from Gaza-bound
flotilla due to return
Turkey said 36 of its citizens were expected to return home via a special flight on Saturday afternoon, after Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
"We expect 36 of our nationals on the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels seized by Israeli forces in international waters will return to our country this afternoon via a special flight," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli said on X, adding that the final number has not been finalised.
The spokesman said efforts were underway to complete the procedures for the remaining citizens "as soon as possible so that they can come to Turkey".