Dutch Court Urged To Hear Case Over 2014 Israel Gaza Strike
Umer Jamshaid Published September 17, 2019 | 05:20 PM
The Hague, Sept 17 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Sep, 2019 ) :A Dutch court heard preliminary arguments Tuesday in a case about a deadly 2014 Israeli airstrike, in which Israeli prime ministerial candidate Benny Gantz is one of two named defendants.
A Dutch-Palestinian seeking justice for his relatives killed in the air strike, urged the court to go ahead with a trial for war crimes.
This preliminary hearing, to determine whether or not it should try the case, started as Israelis go to the polls to elect a new government -- with Gantz a leading candidate for the prime minister's post.
Gantz, 60 was the chief of general staff of the Israeli defence force at the time of the Gaza bombing as part of Operation Protective Edge, in which Ismail Zaida said six of his relatives were killed.
The second defendant is former Israeli air force chief Amir Eshel, 60.
"I am seeking justice," Zaida told judges at The Hague's District Court.
He would not get a fair hearing before an Israeli court, he argued, because it "discriminated against Palestinians seeking accountability for war crimes".
Zaida's mother, three brothers, a sister-in-law, a young nephew and a friend were killed in the strike on Bureij refugee camp in Gaza on July 20, 2014.
"As a Palestinian, my client has no access to a partial and independent judge" before an Israeli court, Zaida's lawyer Liesbeth Zegveld told the judges.
"In other words, it's impossible for him to take his claim anywhere else," she said.
During an emotional statement, Zaida showed pictures of his dead relatives telling the judges "much depends on the outcome of this judicial process", which he called a "David versus Goliath" legal battle.
Zegveld argued that the case could be heard under Dutch law, which says that it has universal jurisdiction in civil cases for citizens who are unable to get justice for war crimes elsewhere.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
NHA restores traffic on roads affected by recent rains in Balochistan
China to fully support Pakistan's efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang
U.S. envoy calls on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
Poland arrests man over suspected plan to kill Zelensky
EU wants to ease youth movement to and from UK
Police foils attempt of supply mainpuri raw material
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
4 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
19 days ago