In a case brought by Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Germany has denied accusations of aiding genocide in Gaza by selling arms to Israel. Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, a legal adviser for the German Foreign Ministry, stated that the majority of arms exports to Israel since October 7 were general equipment like vests, helmets, and binoculars. Germany emphasized its commitment to adhering to international law and supporting both the Israeli and Palestinian people, with Germany being the largest individual donor of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Germany has a historical responsibility towards Israel’s security, given the history of the Nazi decimation of Jews.
Germany is one of Israel’s biggest military suppliers, sending 326.5 million euros worth of equipment and weapons in 2023, according to Economy Ministry data. Following the October 7 attacks led by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent assault on Gaza, Western nations, including Germany, have faced protests, legal cases, and accusations of hypocrisy from campaign groups. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,100 people killed in the Hamas-led attack on Israel, and thousands more killed and wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since then. A lawyer for Germany informed the court that the majority of arms exports to Israel were general equipment, with only a small percentage of war weapons intended for training.
Lawyers for Nicaragua have requested the ICJ to order Germany to halt arms sales to Israel and resume funding to the UNRWA. They argue that Germany has violated the 1948 Genocide Convention and international law by supplying Israel while aware of the risk of genocide. The case at this preliminary stage does not hinge on the amount of military aid provided by Germany but simply its existence. The ICJ is expected to rule on Nicaragua’s requested emergency measures in the coming weeks, with a final judgement on the merits of the case expected to take years. The court does not have the power to enforce its rulings, but it can call for a halt to potential acts of genocide.
In response to accusations from South Africa, the ICJ had previously ruled in January that claims of Israel violating rights under the Genocide Convention were plausible. The court called for a halt to any potential acts of genocide. This legal action at the ICJ reflects a growing international support for Palestinians and a scrutiny of arms sales and military aid to Israel. The case highlights the complexity of balancing security concerns, historical responsibilities, and adherence to international law in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite Germany’s support for Israel’s security, it is facing legal challenges and pressure to reconsider its arms sales and support for the Palestinian cause.
