The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled against issuing emergency orders to stop German arms exports to Israel, despite expressing deep concern about the “catastrophic living conditions in Gaza.” The court also rejected a German request to throw out the case, allowing it to move forward.
Nicaragua had asked the ICJ to order Germany to halt military arms exports to Israel and resume funding for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, citing a serious risk of genocide in Gaza. However, the court declined to issue any orders, stating that the current circumstances did not warrant emergency measures.
Presiding judge Nawaf Salam emphasized the court’s concern for the dire living conditions of Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting the prolonged deprivation of food and basic necessities they face.
Germany’s representative at the ICJ welcomed the ruling, stating that they are committed to complying with international law. Pro-Palestinian protesters outside the court expressed disappointment with the verdict, fearing its implications for other nations supplying arms to Israel.
The main case will proceed, with Germany having the opportunity to raise a preliminary objection to the court’s jurisdiction. It is expected to take years before a final judgment is reached, as the ICJ lacks enforcement mechanisms for its rulings.
In a separate development, Berlin’s Administrative Court has requested the German government to clarify the criteria for arms exports to Israel, following challenges from human rights groups. Israel denies the genocide accusations and launched its military campaign in Gaza to target Hamas, resulting in thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in the enclave.