Nicaragua has taken a significant step by requesting the United Nations' highest court to halt German arms supplies to Israel, igniting a pivotal case against Germany.
The accusation centers on Germany's violation of the UN genocide treaty through its military exports to Israel and its decision to cease support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), as reported by the BBC.
Berlin has refuted these claims and announced plans to present its defense to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday.Data from 2023 reveal that Germany contributed to over 30% of Israel's military equipment imports, with transactions amounting to €300 million.
The allegations against Germany draw upon a separate case initiated by South Africa in January, where the Hague's judges mandated Israel to take comprehensive measures to avert genocidal crimes. Additionally, the court demanded the immediate release of all prisoners by Hamas, captured from Israel on October 7.
Israel has consistently denied accusations of genocidal actions in the Gaza conflict, asserting its right to self-defense. Nonetheless, the Hamas-run health ministry reports over 33,000 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly civilians, pushing the region to the brink of starvation. According to Oxfam, approximately 300,000 Palestinians in northern Gaza have subsisted on an average of 245 calories per day since January.
Nicaragua argues that Germany, by significantly increasing its military shipments to Israel last year, is complicit in the alleged war crimes. The majority of these revenues stemmed from air defense systems and communications equipment.
Following the October 7 attacks against Israel, Germany, among 15 Western nations, ceased funding UNRWA amidst allegations of staff involvement in the assaults. Nicaragua's submission to the ICJ seeks an injunction against further German weapons shipments to Israel and the restoration of funding for UNRWA, emphasising Germany's alleged facilitation of genocide.
As the trial commenced, Nicaragua's legal representative, Alain Pellet, emphasised the urgency of Germany ceasing its ongoing arms deliveries, accusing Germany of being acutely aware of the potential misuse of the arms supplied to Israel.
Berlin, while denying the allegations, has yet to disclose its legal strategy for the upcoming hearings. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains a vocal supporter of Israel's right to self-defense but faces increasing domestic opposition to further military exports to the nation.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
