ICJ rejects Nicaragua's request to stop Germany's military aid to Israel

The United Nations's top court Tuesday rejected Nicaragua's request to force Germany to halt military aid to Israel and continue funding the U.N. relief agency in Gaza.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rejected Nicaragua's request by 15 votes to 1, stating that the legal conditions for such a decision were unmet.

'Case to be heard again'

The court's President, Nawaf Salam, emphasized that, based on the factual information and legal arguments presented, circumstances did not require the court to invoke its jurisdiction to issue provisional measures.

However, the panel of 16 judges did not dismiss the case entirely, stating that it would continue to be heard by the court.

Salam acknowledged the court's ongoing concerns about the appalling living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, especially the deprivation of food and basic needs.

Salam emphasized the court's view that reminding all states of their international obligations concerning arms transfer to armed conflict parties is crucial. 

The decision was made in a short session lasting less than 20 minutes.

During the hearings, Germany claimed it had exported almost no weapons to Israel since the start of fighting in Gaza after the Palestinian Resistance Group entered southern Israel on October 7.

Germany welcomes ICJ's decision

The German Foreign Office on social media: "No one is above the law. This guides our actions. We welcome today’s decision by the International Court of Justice.”

"Germany is not a party to the conflict in the Middle East. We are working day and night for a two-state solution,” added the ministry.

As a long-time supporter of the Palestinians, Nicaragua claims that Germany's support for Israel amounts to complicity in genocide. 

But Tuesday's ruling by the ICJ is only a preliminary measure in a case that is expected to drag on for several years. Germany denies the charges.

Israel, which is not a party to the Nicaragua-Germany dispute, vehemently denies the genocide allegations and argues that its actions were in self-defense.

In addition, Nicaragua is demanding that Germany provide direct funding to the U.N. relief agency in Gaza.

Germany's legal team opposed Nicaragua's claims, arguing that they lacked a factual or legal basis.

Over the past decades, Germany has maintained an unwavering alliance with Israel. But in the face of mounting civilian casualties in Gaza, Berlin's stance is undergoing a gradual transformation.

Israel has consistently denied allegations it has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, describing its actions as defensive responses to Palestinian Resistance Group-led attacks.

Israeli legal representative Tal Becker emphasized to the court earlier this year that Israel was engaged in a conflict initiated by the Palestinian Resistance Group and not of its own volition.

Source: AP