(News Desk)Nicaragua strongly criticizes Germany for its contradictory stance in the midst of the devastating Gaza conflict, denouncing its provision of weapons to Israel while simultaneously offering aid to war-torn Gaza.
During proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday, Nicaraguan lawyer Daniel Mueller argued that Germany’s actions were hypocritical and harmful. Mueller emphasized the stark contrast between providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and supplying military equipment used in their destruction.
Germany, a significant arms exporter to Israel, supplied €326.5 million ($353.70 million) worth of military equipment and weapons to Tel Aviv last year alone.
The conflict in Gaza, triggered by Israel’s Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in response to resistance group activities, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 33,200 Palestinians, with a significant number being women and children.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), highlighted the unprecedented toll of the war, particularly on minors, aid workers, journalists, and medical personnel.
Nicaragua’s case before the ICJ also includes a request for Germany to reverse its decision to cease funding UNRWA. The Nicaraguan submission to the court, spanning 43 pages, accuses Germany of facilitating genocide through its military support to Israel and its withdrawal of funding from humanitarian efforts.
Furthermore, Nicaragua asserts that Germany’s failure to act is especially egregious given its privileged relationship with Israel, which could potentially influence Israeli conduct.
Nicaragua’s move to pursue legal action against Germany mirrors its intent to hold other countries, including Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, accountable for their contributions to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In a related development, the ICJ previously issued provisional measures urging Israel to prevent further death, destruction, and acts of genocide in Gaza. These measures were issued in response to a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.