ICJ Concludes Hearings on Germany's Objections in Nicaragua Lawsuit Over Palestinian Territory

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague concluded public hearings on September 10, 2026, regarding preliminary objections raised by Germany in the case brought by Nicaragua titled Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The four-day oral proceedings, which began on September 7, focused strictly on procedural questions concerning jurisdiction and admissibility rather than the substantive merits of the legal dispute. Nicaragua originally instituted proceedings against Germany in March 2024, alleging that Berlin breached its obligations under the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law by maintaining political, financial, and military support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. During the hearings, German legal representatives presented preliminary objections, contending that no formal legal dispute existed between the two nations prior to filing and that Israel represents an indispensable third party whose absence prevents proper adjudication. In response, Nicaragua’s legal delegation urged the bench to dismiss Germany's objections, maintaining that the lawsuit addresses Berlin’s own independent duties under international law to prevent grave human rights violations. The ICJ bench, led by President Yuji Iwasawa, announced that the court will deliberate on the preliminary objections and deliver its ruling in a public sitting on a date to be announced later.