Germany Asks ICJ to Dismiss Nicaragua Gaza Genocide Case
Germany has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss Nicaragua’s case accusing Berlin of facilitating genocide in Gaza through military support for Israel.
During hearings in The Hague, Germany argued that Nicaragua had failed to establish a legal dispute before filing the case and had not given Berlin enough time to respond to its allegations. Germany also challenged the court’s jurisdiction over several claims.
Nicaragua filed the case in March 2024, accusing Germany of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law by supplying weapons to Israel despite the risk of serious violations in Gaza. It also accused Berlin of contributing to the humanitarian crisis by suspending funding for UNRWA.
Germany further argues that Israel is an indispensable third party because determining Berlin’s responsibility would require the court to assess Israel’s conduct. Nicaragua is expected to counter that the case concerns Germany’s own actions and legal obligations.
Germany remains one of Israel’s largest arms suppliers. German approvals for military exports to Israel reached €799.4 million in the first half of 2026, nearly four times the total approved in 2025.
The ICJ rejected Germany’s earlier request to remove the case from its list in 2024, finding no clear lack of jurisdiction. Nicaragua will present its response before both sides make further arguments. The court is expected to rule on Germany’s objections at a later date.
If the case proceeds, a final judgment could take years.
