Nicaragua Accuses Germany of Multiple Law Violations in Gaza Case

Nicaragua urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday to reject Germany's bid to halt a case accusing Berlin of complicity in genocide in Gaza.

Nicaragua accused Germany of multiple violations of international law, particularly concerning the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law. Ambassador Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, speaking for Nicaragua, stated that Germany's arms exports to Israel violate the Genocide Convention and humanitarian law. He argued that Berlin should have been aware of a serious risk that acts that could amount to genocide were being committed by Israel and should have acted to prevent genocide.

Germany, Israel's second-biggest weapons supplier after the U.S., suspended weapons exports to Israel for a few months in 2025 but has since resumed them. Germany asked the ICJ on Monday to dismiss the case, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction on procedural grounds and that Nicaragua's case does not hold water. Julia Monar, Germany's representative, noted Germany's unwavering support for the existence and security of the State of Israel and stated it is one of the world's largest bilateral donors to the Palestinian Territories.

Monar also said all German military technology and equipment exports to Israel are subject to strict licensing requirements exceeding international standards, and Nicaragua's statements create an inaccurate and distorted picture. The ICJ, which rules on legal disputes between countries, previously rejected Nicaragua's request to impose emergency measures on Germany, specifically to stop arms exports to Israel.

The current hearings are scheduled for four days. Israel rejects genocide allegations as politically motivated, stating its military campaign targets the militant group Hamas, whose attack on Israel triggered the war in October 2023. A U.S.-backed ceasefire since October 2025 halted large-scale fighting but has not ended Israeli strikes. The court typically takes an average of six months to issue a ruling in such cases.