Preliminary hearings commenced Monday at the United Nations' highest court in a case challenging German military and other assistance to Israel. Nicaragua brings the case, alleging that Germany's aid facilitates acts of genocide and breaches of international law in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Israel vehemently denies accusations that its military actions constitute breaches of the Genocide Convention.
While Nicaragua's case primarily focuses on Germany, it indirectly addresses Israel's military campaign in Gaza, particularly following the October 7 attacks by Hamas-led militants, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 33,000 Palestinian casualties, with women and children comprising the majority.
Ahead of the hearings, German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer affirmed Germany's rejection of Nicaragua's allegations. He asserted that Germany has not violated the genocide convention or international humanitarian law and intends to present a detailed defense at the International Court of Justice.
Nicaragua seeks provisional measures from the court, including the immediate suspension of German aid to Israel, particularly military assistance that could contribute to violations of the Genocide Convention and international law.
The court's preliminary decision is expected to take weeks, with Nicaragua's case likely to extend over several years.
The hearing occurs amidst mounting calls for allies to cease supplying arms to Israel amid its ongoing six-month campaign in Gaza, which has led to mass displacement, food scarcity, and a looming famine. The United Nations' top human rights body recently urged countries to halt weapon sales to Israel, although the United States and Germany opposed the resolution.
Additionally, British jurists, including retired Supreme Court judges, urged the UK government to suspend arms sales to Israel following the death of seven aid workers, including three UK citizens, in Israeli strikes. Israel attributed the attack to "misidentification."
