Germany fights Gaza genocide claims at the UN’s top court

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Germany on Monday will challenge claims at the United Nations’ top court that it is “facilitating” acts of genocide in Gaza by providing arms and other military support to Israel.Nicaragua, which launched the case at the International Court of Justice, accuses Berlin of violating the Genocide Convention and international humanitarian law. While the case centers on Germany, it indirectly takes aim at Israel’s campaign in Gaza in response to the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.Israel, which isn’t a party in the proceedings, strongly denies that its actions amount to acts of genocide.Monday’s hearing at the court in The Hague will address questions raised by Germany over whether the court has jurisdiction in the case.The conflict left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and devastated the enclave. Despite a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States last year, violence has continued. Since the ceasefire was announced, Israeli fire has killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza. Five Israeli soldiers have also been killed. Germany has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades and is the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel after the Uni...