German Aid to Israel Questioned in United Nations Hearing
Preliminary Hearings Begin at the United Nations
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Preliminary hearings open Monday at the United Nations’ top court in a groundbreaking case brought forward by Nicaragua, calling for an end to German military and other aid to Israel. Nicaragua claims that Germany is “facilitating” acts of genocide and breaches of international law in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Germany, which has historically been a staunch supporter of Israel, strongly denies such claims, asserting that its military campaign in Gaza does not violate the Genocide Convention or international humanitarian law.
Nicaragua’s Accusations Amidst Rising Tensions
German Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sebastian Fischer, stated, “We are calm and we will set out our legal position in court. Germany has breached neither the genocide convention nor international humanitarian law, and we will set this out in detail before the International Court of Justice.”
Nicaragua, with historical links to Palestinian organizations, seeks provisional measures from the court, including the immediate suspension of German aid to Israel, particularly military assistance that could potentially be used to violate the Genocide Convention and international law.
However, it is anticipated that the court will take weeks to deliver its preliminary decision and Nicaragua’s case is expected to be a lengthy process.
International Calls to Cease Arms Supplies to Israel
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, there has been a growing international outcry and mounting pressure for allies to halt the supply of arms to Israel. The campaign, which has been ongoing for six months, has caused extensive destruction in Gaza, leading to the displacement of a vast majority of the population. The United Nations has expressed concerns about the scarcity of food, the approach of famine, and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In response to these concerns, the United Nations’ top human rights body has called on countries to suspend the sale or shipment of weapons to Israel. However, the United States and Germany opposed the resolution. Furthermore, hundreds of British jurists, including three retired Supreme Court judges, have called on the UK government to halt arms sales to Israel, following the tragic killing of aid workers in Israeli strikes.
Germany’s Evolving Stance
Germany, acknowledging its historical responsibility arising from the Holocaust, has been a long-time supporter of Israel. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated, “Our own history, our responsibility arising from the Holocaust, makes it a perpetual task for us to stand up for the security of the state of Israel.”
Nonetheless, Germany has gradually become critical of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly since the civilian casualties have soared. The German government has dissented against a ground offensive in Rafah and expressed concerns about the condition in Gaza.
A Hearing that Highlights Global Opinions
The upcoming hearing at the International Court of Justice is expected to galvanize opposition to any support for Israel. Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame, states, “The case next week in The Hague will likely further galvanize opposition to any support for Israel.”
Notably, prior to the hearing, the ICJ had already imposed provisional measures on Israel earlier this year, instructing the country to take all necessary actions to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in Gaza. South Africa initiated the case, accusing Israel of breaching the Genocide Convention.
Israel strongly denies the accusation, viewing its military actions as self-defense. In January, Israeli legal adviser, Tal Becker, told judges at the court, “Israel is fighting a war it did not start and did not want.”
Germany, positioned as a defendant in this case, maintains its long-held position of supporting Israel while facing a global call to justify its aid and military assistance.
Read more:
Hamas-Led Storm on Southern Israel Results in 1,200 Deaths and Widespread Destruction.
U.N. Voices Concerns Over Famine Approaching in Gaza Due to Humanitarian Crisis.
U.N. Urges Countries to Halt Arms Sales to Israel; US and Germany Oppose Resolution.
Outrage Grows in the UK over the Killing of Aid Workers in Israeli Strikes.
Nicaragua’s Historical Foothold with Palestinian Organizations Amidst Human Rights Accusations.
South Africa’s ICC Case Accusing Israel of Genocide and the Court’s Order for Humanitarian Measures.
Report by Geir Moulson in Berlin, Associated Press.
