Germany to Seek Dismissal of Nicaragua’s Gaza ‘Genocide Complicity’ Case
World
Germany will ask the International Court of Justice on Monday to dismiss a case brought by Nicaragua, which accuses Berlin of being complicit in “genocide” by supporting Israel. The four-day hearings are being held at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
The case stems from proceedings filed by Nicaragua in 2024, shortly after Israel began its military offensive in Gaza. Managua asked the court to impose emergency measures and order Germany to halt all assistance to Israel, particularly military equipment supplies.
In April 2024, the ICJ rejected Nicaragua’s request, saying that “the circumstances as they now present themselves” did not justify urgent measures. The main proceedings, however, have continued.
Germany is now seeking to end the case, arguing either that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear it or that Nicaragua’s claims are unfounded. According to an ICJ statement, Berlin filed “preliminary objections to the jurisdiction of the Court and the admissibility of certain claims” brought by Nicaragua. Germany’s detailed position has not yet been disclosed.
After Germany presents its arguments on Monday, Nicaragua will respond. Both countries will then make further appearances before the court on Wednesday and Thursday. Decisions in such cases take an average of about six months.
The court could dismiss the case entirely or rule against Germany, in which case the proceedings would continue to a more detailed examination of the merits.
During the April 2024 hearings, Nicaragua’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, told the court: “Germany seems unable to distinguish self-defence from genocide.” Germany called the case “grossly biased” and firmly rejected allegations that it had violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
Berlin also said its arms trade with Israel undergoes “thorough scrutiny... well beyond the requirements of international law.” Citing Germany’s Nazi past, its representative said Israel’s security was a “central element” of the country’s foreign policy.
The Nicaragua-Germany proceedings are separate from another high-profile case before the ICJ, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects those allegations.
In April 2024, the ICJ rejected Nicaragua’s request, saying that “the circumstances as they now present themselves” did not justify urgent measures. The main proceedings, however, have continued.
Germany is now seeking to end the case, arguing either that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear it or that Nicaragua’s claims are unfounded. According to an ICJ statement, Berlin filed “preliminary objections to the jurisdiction of the Court and the admissibility of certain claims” brought by Nicaragua. Germany’s detailed position has not yet been disclosed.
After Germany presents its arguments on Monday, Nicaragua will respond. Both countries will then make further appearances before the court on Wednesday and Thursday. Decisions in such cases take an average of about six months.
The court could dismiss the case entirely or rule against Germany, in which case the proceedings would continue to a more detailed examination of the merits.
During the April 2024 hearings, Nicaragua’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, told the court: “Germany seems unable to distinguish self-defence from genocide.” Germany called the case “grossly biased” and firmly rejected allegations that it had violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
Berlin also said its arms trade with Israel undergoes “thorough scrutiny... well beyond the requirements of international law.” Citing Germany’s Nazi past, its representative said Israel’s security was a “central element” of the country’s foreign policy.
The Nicaragua-Germany proceedings are separate from another high-profile case before the ICJ, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel rejects those allegations.
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