Nicaragua challenges Germany at ICJ over Gaza arms deliveries

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings in September 2026 regarding a lawsuit filed by Nicaragua against Germany. Nicaragua alleges that Germany is aiding genocide in Gaza through continued arms deliveries, political support, and systematic inaction.

While the ICJ previously rejected requests for provisional measures against Germany in April 2024, it maintained that the lawsuit was admissible and allowed the proceedings to continue. During the recent hearings, the German delegation, led by Julia Monar of the Foreign Office, presented legal arguments to contest the court's jurisdiction and the standing of Nicaragua to bring the case.

Germany has defended its position by stating that its deliveries consist primarily of military equipment rather than direct weapons and has argued that Nicaragua lacks the legal standing to sue. The proceedings follow a period of intense political debate within Germany regarding the ethics and legality of its military support for Israel.