Conflict in Gaza - International tribunal dismisses Nicaragua's accusations against Germany in genocide case.
Germany will still be able to send weapons to Israel based on international law: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague dismissed a request on Tuesday by Nicaragua for urgent action against Germany for allegedly aiding in "genocide" in Gaza. Presiding judge Nawaf Salam stated, "The court finds that the circumstances are not such as to require the exercise of its power to order provisional measures."
Nicaragua sought five immediate steps, including halting German arm deliveries to Israel during the trial process that could last several years. The court proceeding accuses Germany of assisting in the genocide of Palestinians by providing arms to Israel along with other conduct.
Germany rebuffs Nicaragua's charges
The German Foreign Office in Berlin celebrated the court's ruling. "Germany is not a participant in the Middle East conflict - on the contrary: we are working hard for a two-state solution," said the ministry in their online platform, X. Germany is the "largest humanitarian aid donor for the Palestinians" and is crucial in ensuring the aid reaches the population in Gaza.
The Foreign Office added, "However, we also see that the October 7 terror attack has sparked a new cycle of suffering, which Israel must defend against." They were referring to the hostages still captive in the Gaza Strip who were kidnapped from Israel.
After asking for immediate measures, Germany should also continue their backing for the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Berlin halted their contributions in January as UNRWA employees were suspected of being involved in the attack by the extremist Muslim group Hamas on October 7. Yet, following the release of an investigative report on the UN aid organization, the German government announced its resumption of payments last week.
Germany rejects Nicaragua's charges. Per Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, the legal department head and international law advisor of the Germany Foreign Office, Germany provides weapons "only after an in-depth examination that goes beyond the standards of international law." Israel's security is "central to German foreign policy" due to the country's background.
Nicaragua is an ally of Israel's major rival, Iran
Nicaragua is viewed as an ally of Iran, considered Israel's adversary in the region. Israel's strongest ally is actually the USA - but Nicaragua turned to the ICJ against Germany as the USA does not acknowledge the Hague court, Nicaragua's lawyers explained.
The ICJ was set up to determine disputes between countries. Its decisions are binding legally but have limited means of enforcing them.
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Source: www.stern.de
