Germany asks International Court to dismiss Nicaragua's genocide suit
Berlin told the International Court of Justice the lawsuit is unfounded and exceeds the Court’s jurisdiction; Nicaragua alleges violations of the Genocide Convention.
Germany asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss a case brought by Nicaragua that accuses Berlin of contributing to an alleged genocide in Gaza through arms deliveries and other military support to Israel.
Berlin rejects jurisdiction and the substance of the claim
Speaking at the hearing, Germany's representative Julia Monar said the country remains firmly committed to international law and described Nicaragua's lawsuit as unfounded and beyond the Court's jurisdiction. She reminded the Court that in April 2024 the ICJ rejected Nicaragua's request for provisional measures against Germany.
Nicaragua alleges that Germany has breached the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law by providing weapons and military assistance to Israel. The filing argues those actions have contributed to an ongoing campaign in Gaza that amounts to genocide.
Germany rejects the allegations made by Nicaragua and is asking the ICJ to throw the case out. The German argument centers on both procedural points — the Court's lack of competence over the claim — and on denying the legal basis of the accusations.
Israel, which is not a party to the proceedings, has denied that its military operations in Gaza constitute genocide.
The ICJ will now consider the arguments made by both sides as it decides whether it has jurisdiction and how to proceed with the merits of the complaint.
Photo: press material from the event
