Nicaragua has approached the UN’s highest court to stop Germany from selling weapons to Israel, marking the beginning of a significant legal battle. Germany stands accused of violating the UN genocide convention by supplying military equipment to Israel while also cutting funding to the UN’s aid agency. Berlin denies these allegations and plans to present its defence to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday. In 2023, approximately 30% of Israel’s military equipment purchases, amounting to €300 million, came from Germany.
These accusations stem from a previous case initiated by South Africa in January, where judges in the Hague instructed Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocidal acts. Israel disputes the allegations of engaging in genocidal actions during its Gaza campaign, asserting its right to self-defence. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 33,000 casualties, primarily civilians, with Gaza facing a severe food crisis.
Nicaragua contends that Germany’s arms sales to Israel, totaling $326.5 million last year—a tenfold increase from 2022—implicate Germany’s involvement in Israel’s alleged war crimes. Most of these sales involve components for air defence systems and communication equipment. Additionally, Germany was among 15 Western nations that suspended funding for the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) over accusations linking some agency staff to the October 7 attacks on Israel.
Nicaragua seeks an ICJ order for Germany to cease weapons sales to Israel and resume funding for the aid agency, arguing that Germany’s actions facilitate genocide. Alain Pellet, representing Nicaragua, stressed the urgency of suspending arms sales, highlighting the potential for these weapons to contribute to genocidal acts.
Despite Nicaragua’s claims, Germany rejects the allegations and remains silent on its legal strategy for the upcoming hearings. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced support for Israel’s right to self-defence but faces domestic pressure to halt arms sales to Israel.
In a separate development, critics have raised concerns about Nicaragua’s human rights record, citing President Daniel Ortega’s crackdown on dissent and protests. The UK’s UN mission accused Nicaragua of relentless human rights violations in March. Michael Becker, a law professor at Trinity College Dublin, noted the uncertainty surrounding states’ obligations to prevent genocide or uphold humanitarian law, suggesting that the case against Germany could provide clarity on these issues.
