THE HAGUE (Dispatches) – Nicaragua has formally submitted an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Germany, accusing the country of both failing to prevent a genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, but also of having “contributed to the commission of genocide”.
In its request, Nicaragua asked the ICJ to declare that Germany has failed to uphold its obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide in Gaza, by providing support to Israel and by cutting funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
The application asks the court to “adjudge and declare” that Germany has violated international humanitarian law, including its obligations under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977.
It also says the European country has failed to comply with other non-derogable international norms by aiding Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, including the ongoing onslaught on Gaza.
Nicaragua also called on the World Court to order Germany to halt its aid and support to Israel.
In a press release issued by the Nicaraguan government, Managua said that Germany provided Israel with “political, financial, and military support” despite knowing that “the military equipment would be used in the commission of serious breaches of international law”.
It also noted that Berlin cut off assistance to UNRWA, a move that followed Israeli allegations that UNRWA staff members were involved in the 7 October Hamas-led operation in southern parts of the Israeli-occupied territories.
“Germany continues to disregard its obligations, and to actively facilitate violations of the rules of international law by Israel to the severe and immediate prejudice of the Palestinian people, particularly Gazans, and the international community,” the Nicaraguan government said in its statement.