Israeli Knesset Approves Death Penalty Law for Palestinian Prisoners in First Reading
Jerusalem – Pal Plus
In what rights groups describe as one of the most alarming escalations against Palestinians, the Israeli Knesset has approved the Death Penalty Law for Palestinian Prisoners in its first reading on Monday, paving the way for a final vote expected on Wednesday. The move has drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinian and international human rights organizations.
Controversial Bill Targets Palestinian Prisoners
The proposed legislation would allow Israeli courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinian detainees accused of attacks against Israelis — without requiring unanimous judicial approval.
Human rights advocates warn that the bill violates international law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the execution or mistreatment of prisoners of war.
According to Israeli media, the law passed with strong backing from far-right coalition members, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and his Jewish Power Party, who claimed the legislation “honors the blood of Israelis” and would serve as a deterrent to terrorism.
Human Rights Organizations Condemn the Move
Palestinian prisoner advocacy groups have condemned the bill as a “formal legalization of extrajudicial executions” long practiced by Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club described the legislation as a “declaration of war on prisoners”, warning that Israel’s judiciary is being transformed into a “legalized killing machine.”
The organization urged the international community to take immediate action to halt the bill, calling it a dangerous precedent in modern history.
Growing Concerns Over Prison Conditions
The legislation comes amid a sharp escalation in Israeli crackdowns inside detention facilities, with mounting reports of torture, solitary confinement, and deprivation of basic needs, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis among Palestinian prisoners.
A Dangerous Shift Toward State-Sanctioned Violence
Analysts warn that the bill marks an attempt to legitimize collective punishment and execution under the guise of legality, effectively turning injustice into official policy.
As Israel moves toward final approval, the world faces a critical question:
Will the international community remain silent as justice itself is sentenced to death?
