Germany rejects allegations of facilitating acts of genocide in Gaza at UN court

Germany Rejects Nicaragua’s Case at the International Court of Justice

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Germany on Tuesday strongly rejected a case brought by Nicaragua at the United Nations’ top court accusing Berlin of facilitating breaches of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law by providing arms and other support to Israel in its deadly assault on Gaza.

Germany’s Defense Against Nicaragua’s Accusations

• Christian Tams, a member of Germany’s legal team, stated that Nicaragua’s accusations fall apart upon closer examination.
• Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, the head of Germany’s legal team, argued that Nicaragua’s claims have no basis in fact or law as they depend on an assessment of Israel’s conduct, which is not a party to the proceedings.

Nicaragua urged judges to order a halt to German military aid to Israel, claiming that Berlin’s support enables acts of genocide and breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza.

Preliminary Hearings and Germany’s Stance

• Preliminary hearings focused on Nicaragua’s request for provisional measures, including a court order for Berlin to halt military and other aid to Israel and reinstate funding to the U.N. aid agency in Gaza.
• Tania von Uslar-Gleichen urged judges not to impose preliminary measures and to dismiss Nicaragua’s case.

Germany licensed only four exports of weapons of war to Israel since October, with the majority being non-lethal equipment.

Germany’s Humanitarian Support and International Criticism

• Germany continues to provide humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza under difficult conditions and engages with international partners.
• Nicaragua’s case follows South Africa’s accusation of genocide by Israel at the same court last year, amid growing calls for Israel’s allies to stop supplying weapons.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized Germany’s commitment to international law and Israel’s right to self-defense.

Arguments from Both Sides

• Nicaragua accused Germany of failing to prevent genocide and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
• Germany’s lawyer, Samuel Wordsworth, argued that the court cannot rule Germany in violation of preventing genocide without establishing Israel’s breach of the Genocide Convention.

The court’s preliminary decision is expected to take weeks, and Nicaragua’s case may continue for years.

Israel’s Denial and Germany’s Arms Supply

• Israel denies that its assault amounts to genocidal acts and claims self-defense.
• Germany is the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel after the U.S., but it would be difficult for the U.S. to be brought before the court due to its non-recognition of the ICJ’s power and its non-signatory status to the Genocide Convention protocol.

Associated Press writer Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin contributed to this report.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses a case brought by Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice, accusing Germany of facilitating breaches of the Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law by providing arms and other support to Israel in its assault on Gaza. This issue is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. It is also connected to SDG 17, which focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

The article highlights the legal case brought by Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice, which relates to the promotion of the rule of law at the international level (SDG 16.3). It also emphasizes the need for global partnerships to address the issue, as Germany’s support to Israel is being questioned (SDG 17.16).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article.

The article does not provide specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators for SDG 16.3 could include the number of cases brought before international courts related to breaches of international humanitarian law and the number of countries providing support to parties involved in conflicts. For SDG 17.16, indicators could include the number of partnerships established to address conflicts and promote peace, as well as the amount of financial resources mobilized for conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: abcnews.go.com

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