International Court of Justice to Hear Nicaragua's Case Against Germany Over Gaza in September

The International Court of Justice announced it will hold hearings in September on Germany's preliminary objections in the case brought by Nicaragua, which accuses Germany of supporting Israel in committing genocide in Gaza. The hearings will take place between September 7 and 10, with Germany presenting its first oral argument on September 7 and its second on September 9, while Nicaragua presents its first on September 8 and its second on September 10. Nicaragua filed the case on March 1, 2024, accusing Germany of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention, the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Nicaragua accuses Germany of facilitating Israel's genocide in Gaza by providing political, financial, and military support, halting funding for UNRWA, and failing to fulfill its obligation to take all possible measures to prevent genocide. During the April 2024 hearings, Nicaragua said Germany is the second-largest arms supplier to Israel, and that it is impossible for Berlin to be unaware of the use of these munitions in the genocide in Gaza. It noted that Germany reduced its aid to Palestinians while continuing to supply Israel with tank shells, drone ammunition, and naval vessels. Germany denied the accusations, claiming its military exports comply with international law and are subject to rigorous export licensing scrutiny. The court then ruled there was no urgency to justify issuing provisional measures, but noted that civilians in Gaza are suffering long-term and widespread deprivation of food and basic needs. The court stressed that states exporting weapons to a region where war crimes or genocide are committed could be held partially responsible for those crimes.