Nicaragua tells ICJ Germany knew of genocide risk, must face case
Nicaragua urged the International Court of Justice to reject Germany's bid to dismiss a case accusing Berlin of facilitating genocide in Gaza through arms exports to Israel. Germany argues the court lacks jurisdiction. The outcome could set a precedent for state responsibility over weapons sales to conflict zones.
Bottom line — Germany authorised over €1.5bn in military exports to Israel since October 2023, per Nicaragua's figures.
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- Nicaragua's ambassador told the ICJ that Germany 'could not but be aware' of the serious risk of genocide given public documentation of the war, per Middle East Eye.
- Germany's top lawyer argued the case was improperly filed and that no legal dispute existed before the court was approached, per Al Jazeera.
- Nicaragua said Germany approved almost €800m in military exports in the first half of 2026 alone, including components for Merkava tanks and a submarine project, per Middle East Eye.
- Germany suspended new arms export licences in August 2025 but resumed them in November 2025, with Nicaragua calling the pause largely symbolic, per Middle East Eye.
- The ICJ previously declined to impose emergency measures in April 2024 but reminded all states of their obligations regarding arms transfers, per France 24.
- A ruling on Germany's jurisdictional objections is expected later this year; if rejected, a full merits hearing could take until 2030, per Al Jazeera.