Germany faces ICJ hearing over Nicaragua’s Gaza …
THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body, has announced that it will hold public hearings in September to examine Germany’s preliminary objections in a case filed by Nicaragua over alleged violations of international law related to the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the Gaza Strip.
According to an official statement issued by the court, the hearings will take place from September 7 to September 10 at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The proceedings will focus solely on Germany’s objections to the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of parts of Nicaragua’s legal claims before the case can move forward on its merits.
Nicaragua initiated the case on March 1, 2024, accusing Germany of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention, the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols and other principles of international humanitarian law.
The Central American nation argues that Germany has failed in its duty to help prevent genocide by continuing political, financial and military support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. Nicaragua also claims Germany’s decision to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) contributed to worsening the humanitarian situation.
According to Nicaragua, the ongoing conflict, which began in October 2023, has created what it describes as a recognized risk of genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza, making all states party to the Genocide Convention responsible for taking preventive measures.
Germany formally challenged the case on October 21, 2025, filing preliminary objections that argue the ICJ does not have jurisdiction to hear the dispute. Berlin also contends that several of Nicaragua’s claims are legally inadmissible. Under ICJ procedures, consideration of the main case has been suspended until the court decides whether it has the authority to proceed.
The hearing schedule provides Germany with the first opportunity to present oral arguments on September 7, followed by Nicaragua on September 8. Germany will return for a second round on September 9, while Nicaragua will deliver its final submissions on September 10.
The case is being closely watched by governments, legal experts and international human rights organizations, as the court’s eventual ruling on jurisdiction could determine whether one of the most closely followed legal disputes arising from the Gaza conflict proceeds to a full hearing on its merits.