The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has scheduled hearings for April 8 and 9 to address Nicaragua’s allegations against Germany regarding military aid to Israel and the defunding of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). Nicaragua has requested emergency measures to halt Berlin’s military assistance to Israel and reverse its decision on UNRWA funding, citing violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention and the 1949 Geneva Conventions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Germany, while confirming its participation in the court proceedings, maintains that Nicaragua’s case lacks merit. The dispute arises amidst funding suspensions by major UNRWA donors, including the US and Germany, following allegations of Hamas involvement in attacks in Israel.
Despite the funding cuts, Canada and Sweden have pledged to resume support, with hopes for additional reversals among other donor nations. The ICJ’s emergency measures hearings aim to prevent escalation pending a final resolution, which may take years to reach.