ICJ hears Nicaragua’s case against Germany over support for Israel in Gaza
ICJ commenced two days of hearings to address Nicaragua’s plea for emergency measures against Germany regarding its alleged complicity in Israel’s lethal campaign in Gaza
Germany is under fire at the United Nations court for allegedly aiding in the commission of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in collaboration with its ally, Israel.
Expanding upon a prior case initiated by South Africa in January, judges in The Hague directed Israel to undertake “all necessary measures” to prevent genocidal actions.
Additionally, the court mandated Hamas to promptly release all Israeli hostages seized during its attacks on October 7th.
Nicaragua says Germany’s arms sales to Israel, which totalled $326.5m last year – a tenfold increase on 2022 – make it complicit in Israel’s alleged war crimes.
Nicaragua has petitioned the ICJ to compel Berlin to cease weapon sales and reinstate funding for the aid agency, according to documents submitted to the court.
Nicaragua argues that without these actions, “Germany is complicit in facilitating genocide and is neglecting its duty to prevent such atrocities.”
Gomez presented the following key points in his country’s case against Germany:
- Germany has been cognizant of Israel’s serious violations of international law in Gaza since around Oct. 9 or 10.
- Following the ICJ ruling on Jan. 26, Germany has been alerted to the possibility that Israel’s actions may constitute genocide.
- Despite this awareness, Germany has persisted in supplying aid to Israel, thereby failing to fulfill its international obligation to halt such breaches.
- As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Germany is obligated to cease this course of action and uphold its international commitments.
He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The case before us involves momentous events affecting the lives and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people, and even the destruction of an entire people.”
Gomez urged other states to refrain from assisting the perpetrator in such situations, accusing Germany of failing to differentiate between self-defense and genocide in the Gaza case.
Nicaragua contends in its 43-page submission to the court that Germany’s actions constitute a breach of the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention. They argue that by providing military equipment and defunding the UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, Germany is facilitating genocide.
Germany rejects Nicaragua’s genocide allegations, vows legal defense
Germany swiftly responds to Nicaragua’s UN court accusation of genocide facilitation in Gaza, asserting full compliance with international law.
“Germany unequivocally denies the allegations. We have consistently upheld the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law, both directly and indirectly,” stated Germany’s legal representative, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen.
“Nicaragua’s assertions display evident bias, and we will address our comprehensive adherence to responsibilities tomorrow,” she informed journalists
At the trial’s commencement, Alain Pellet, representing Nicaragua, emphasized the urgency of halting ongoing weapon sales. He asserted that Germany is fully aware of the potential risks associated with the arms it provides to Israel.
Source: Newsroom
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