In a surprising turn of events, Namibia has strongly criticized Germany's decision to back Israel in the ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The statement, issued by Namibian President Hage Geingob, described Germany's support for Israel as "shocking" and accused the Israeli government of committing "genocidal and gruesome acts" against innocent civilians in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian Territories.

The case, brought forward by South Africa, saw a two-day public hearing at the World Court, the highest legal body of the United Nations. South Africa argued that Israel's military operations, which have resulted in the deaths of nearly 24,000 people according to Gaza health authorities, were aimed at the destruction of the population in Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, denied these allegations and accused South Africa of presenting a distorted view of the hostilities.

Namibia's presidency expressed deep concern over Germany's decision to ignore the numerous reports of Israeli violence in Gaza, including the killing of more than 23,000 Palestinians and the displacement of 85 percent of the enclave's 2.3 million people. The statement highlighted Germany's own history, claiming that the country had committed the first genocide of the 20th century in Namibia between 1904 and 1908, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of innocent Namibians.

Namibian President Geingob called on the German government to reconsider its decision to support Israel and appealed for the government to acknowledge the genocidal acts being carried out in Gaza. The presidency argued that Germany's commitment to the United Nations Convention against genocide should include atonement for the Namibian genocide, and supporting Israel's acts in Gaza contradicts these moral obligations.

The statement has caused a significant strain between Germany and Namibia, with the genocide case being seen as a milestone in the already fragile German-Namibian relations. Analysts have highlighted that Germany's support for Israel comes on the heels of the 120th anniversary of the German-Namibian war, which led to the first genocide of the 20th century in Namibia.

Despite ongoing negotiations between the German and Namibian governments since 2015, Germany has yet to recognize the events in Namibia as a legal genocide and has refused to provide reparations. This has only further exacerbated tensions between the two nations.

The ICJ is expected to present a provisional measure in the coming days, but a final verdict on the case will likely take years. South Africa has urged the court to order an immediate halt to Israel's devastating military offensive in Gaza. While South Africa has received support from various countries and international organizations in its case, Israel has garnered backing from the United States, its main weapons supplier and close ally.

Numerous global entities, including Human Rights Watch, have previously accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, adding weight to South Africa's claim of genocidal acts. The outcome of the ICJ case will be eagerly awaited by both sides, as it may have significant implications for future international judgments relating to conflicts and genocidal acts.