World court begins hearings on Nicaragua’s case against Germany over Gaza

Monday 07 September 2026 - 11:15

By: Azzat Manal

World court begins hearings on Nicaragua’s case against Germany over Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is set to begin hearings on Germany’s objections to a case brought by Nicaragua, which accuses Berlin of contributing to alleged genocide in Gaza through its military support for Israel.

Nicaragua argues that Germany’s arms exports and other forms of military assistance to Israel may violate the 1948 Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law. According to Managua, weapons supplied by Germany could be used in Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, raising questions about Germany’s responsibilities under international law.

Germany has rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded both legally and factually. Berlin has also challenged the ICJ’s jurisdiction and is seeking to have the proceedings halted. Israel is not a party to the case against Germany.

The dispute dates back to April 2024, when the ICJ rejected Nicaragua’s request for urgent provisional measures aimed at compelling Germany to suspend military assistance and arms exports to Israel. However, the court declined to dismiss the case entirely, allowing the broader proceedings to continue.

The hearings are expected to last four days. Germany will first present its arguments concerning the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of some of Nicaragua’s claims, after which Nicaragua will have an opportunity to respond. The ICJ has not set a date for its ruling.

The court’s decision at this stage could determine whether the case is brought to an end or proceeds to a substantive examination of Nicaragua’s allegations. Such preliminary proceedings focus primarily on legal questions concerning the court’s authority to hear the dispute rather than determining whether genocide has occurred.

The case is separate from South Africa’s proceedings against Israel before the same court. In that case, Pretoria has accused Israel of violating the Genocide Convention in its military campaign in Gaza, allegations that Israel strongly denies.