The Hague, Netherlands – Germany asked the International Court of Justice on Monday to dismiss a case brought by Nicaragua accusing Berlin of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention by supplying Israel with weapons. The case raises a debate about the limits of responsibility of arms-supplying states during armed conflicts. Reuters reported that Germany submitted its objections to the court, which is considering its jurisdiction over the case. A ruling on the German objection is expected later this year.
Germany challenges the court’s jurisdiction
“Germany respectfully requests that the court dismiss Nicaragua’s claims,” Julia Monar, legal advisor to the German Foreign Ministry, told the judges. Berlin argues that Nicaragua did not take the proper steps before resorting to the court. It also maintains that much of the case falls outside the court’s jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention.
Nicaragua links the issue to the Gaza war
Nicaragua’s case is based on the precedent set by South Africa against Israel, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The International Court of Justice issued a preliminary ruling in 2024 concluding that rights under the Genocide Convention needed protection in the context of the Gaza war. The main case remains before the court. Nicaragua is scheduled to present its arguments on Tuesday regarding the reasons for continuing the proceedings.
Years before the final verdict
Germany suspended arms exports to Israel for several months in 2025 before resuming them later. Nicaragua severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024 in protest against the war in Gaza. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the highest court of the United Nations. It adjudicates legal disputes between states and interprets and applies international treaties. If the court decides to proceed with the German case, the proceedings will likely take years before a final ruling is reached. A ruling in the main case concerning genocide allegations against Israel is not expected before late 2029.
