COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing arguments in a landmark case filed by four humanitarian organisations accusing the Danish government of breaching international law by allowing the export of military components to Israel.
The case was brought by the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq, ActionAid Denmark, and the Danish branches of Amnesty International and Oxfam.
The groups argue that Denmark’s approval of exports linked to the F-35 fighter jet programme may contribute to serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
According to AFP, the lawsuit was initially dismissed in April 2025 by Denmark’s Eastern High Court. The court ruled that the organisations did not have sufficient legal standing to challenge the government’s arms export decisions because they were not directly and individually affected by the policy.
Denmark’s Supreme Court is now reviewing that decision. The current proceedings will focus solely on whether the humanitarian organisations have the legal right to bring the case before Danish courts.
If the Supreme Court grants them standing, the groups intend to proceed with a full legal challenge against Denmark’s arms exports to Israel.
Human rights advocates argue that continuing to supply components used in F-35 fighter jets poses a significant risk of contributing to violations of international law.
Dina Hashem, an Amnesty International representative in Denmark, said the organisation’s documentation suggests Israeli forces have committed serious violations in Gaza.
She added that under international frameworks such as the UN Arms Trade Treaty and the EU’s common position on arms exports, countries must refuse export licences when there is a clear risk that weapons or related equipment could be used in grave breaches of humanitarian law.
Danish authorities, however, maintain that the country’s export policies comply with all relevant legal obligations.
In response to the lawsuit earlier this year, the Danish foreign ministry stated that Denmark’s export control system, including its participation in the multinational F-35 programme, operates fully in line with European Union regulations and international commitments.
The Danish case follows similar legal efforts in other European countries. In the Netherlands, a coalition of pro-Palestinian organisations sought a comprehensive ban on exporting goods that could be used for military purposes in Israel.
However, a Dutch court rejected those demands in December 2024, ruling that the government had adhered to existing arms trade regulations.
The legal dispute unfolds against the backdrop of continued tensions in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating a fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, after nearly two years of conflict.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 618 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, figures the United Nations has described as credible.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military reports that five of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
Denmark’s Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling on whether the humanitarian organisations can pursue the case within the next week.
