In a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, Nicaragua presented its case against Germany, accusing the country of violating the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law by supplying weapons to Israel. Nicaragua's lawyer, Alain Pellet, argued that Germany should halt its weapons exports to Israel as they could potentially be used to commit genocide. Germany, however, denies these allegations and plans to fully respond at the ICJ on Tuesday.

During the hearing, Nicaragua also criticized Germany's recent airdropping of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, calling it a "pathetic excuse." Daniel Mueller, another lawyer representing Nicaragua, stated that providing aid on one hand and supplying military equipment used to harm Palestinians on the other is utterly contradictory.

The case presented by Nicaragua builds upon allegations brought forward by South Africa, which also accuses Israel of committing genocide in its military offensive in Gaza. Germany is a significant arms exporter to Israel, being the second-largest supplier after the United States, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Nicaragua's ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, emphasized in his opening remarks that Germany was well aware of the risk of genocide in Gaza. He argued that Germany is failing to uphold its obligation to prevent genocide and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.

Germany's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sebastian Fischer, rejected the accusations, stating that Germany has not violated the Genocide Convention or international humanitarian law. Germany will present its arguments at the ICJ on Tuesday.

The ICJ will consider Nicaragua's request that Germany cease its weapons supplies to Israel and reverse its decision to suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). While Nicaragua's case focuses on Germany, it indirectly addresses Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

These cases against Germany and Israel shed light on the serious violations of international law allegedly being committed in Gaza. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, an associate professor of law at the University of Bristol, highlighted the significance of such cases as they hold not only Israel but also other states accountable for failing to prevent these violations. Hill-Cawthorne described this type of litigation as serving the interests of the international community as a whole.

Germany's long-standing alliance with Israel and its commitment to Israel's right to exist have been further reiterated in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks by Hamas. However, with the accusations from Nicaragua and South Africa, Germany finds itself entangled in a legal battle at the ICJ, where it will strive to refute the allegations put forth against it.