Germany seeks dismissal of Gaza case at The Hague

Germany is asking the United Nations’ top court in The Hague to throw out Nicaragua’s case accusing Berlin of helping facilitate genocide in Gaza through weapons deliveries and other military support to Israel.

Germany strongly rejected the allegations that it had breached the 1948 Genocide Convention. It is seeking dismissal on either of two grounds: that the International Court of Justice lacks authority to hear the case, or that Nicaragua’s claims do not stand up.

Nicaragua asked the judges in 2024 to impose emergency measures forcing Germany to stop all support for Israel, particularly military equipment. The court rejected that request, saying the circumstances at the time did not justify emergency orders. During an earlier hearing, Germany’s representative said the country’s Nazi past had led it to place Israel’s security at the center of its foreign policy.

Germany presented its arguments on Monday. Nicaragua will respond, and both countries will have another opportunity to address the court on Wednesday and Thursday. Germany’s detailed legal arguments had not yet been made public in the report.

The court takes an average of six months to rule in cases of this kind. Its judgments are binding, although it has no power to enforce them. The case against Germany is separate from South Africa’s more prominent proceedings accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, allegations Israel consistently rejects.