Germany rebuts Nicaragua’s UN Court accusations over Israel support

Germany firmly rejects allegations of facilitating genocide in Gaza at U.N. court, stating ‘Nicaragua’s accusations fall apart upon scrutiny’

Germany strongly refuted Nicaragua’s accusations at the United Nations’ top court, rejecting claims of facilitating breaches of international law by supporting Israel’s Gaza assault.

Christian Tams, representing Germany, dismantled Nicaragua’s case.

“The minute we look closely, Nicaragua’s accusations fall apart upon scrutiny.”

Nicaragua sought to halt German military aid to Israel, alleging it enabled genocide and humanitarian law violations.

However, Germany’s legal team, led by Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, argued that Nicaragua’s claims lacked factual and legal basis, emphasizing they revolved around Israel’s conduct, not Germany’s involvement.

“They are dependent on an assessment of conduct by Israel, not a party to these proceedings.”

Despite calls to impose interim measures, Von Uslar-Gleichen urged the court to reject Nicaragua’s case.

98% of military exports to Israel were non-combat equipment

Tams clarified that Germany’s exports to Israel primarily consisted of non-combat equipment.

Tams said that Germany had licensed only four exports of weapons of war to Israel since October, “3 of which concern test or practice equipment.”

He said 98% of military exports to Israel since the Oct. 7 attacks were not weapons of war but other equipment.

Tams presented a photo depicting German aid being airdropped over Gaza, emphasizing Berlin’s ongoing provision of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians “every single day under extremely difficult conditions, constructively engaging with international partners.”

Nicaragua’s case represents the most recent legal effort to address Israel’s offensive, echoing South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel at the same court last year.

This occurs amid increasing pressure on Israel’s allies to cease weapon supply, with even staunch supporters like Germany expressing heightened criticism of the conflict.

Foreign Minister Baerbock emphasized Germany’s commitment to international law, asserting Israel’s right to self-defense against terrorist attacks.

“This means that Israel has the right to defend itself, like every country in the world, against these terrorist attacks that continue to be carried out with the aim of destroying Israel as a state,” she said.

The court’s decision on preliminary measures is pending, with Nicaragua’s case expected to prolong over years.

Germany 2nd only to US in arms supply to Israel

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reports that Germany ranks second only to the U.S. in arms supply to Israel.

However, bringing the U.S. before the court would be challenging, if not impossible, due to Washington’s refusal to acknowledge the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) authority to compel countries to appear. Additionally, the U.S. has not signed the protocol to the Genocide Convention, preventing disputes from being brought to the court.

Source: Newsroom

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