The Israeli parliament approved a bill on Monday that establishes the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis in nationalistic attacks.
The legislation passed its final reading in the Knesset with 62 votes in favour and 48 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the measure.
The law primarily targets Palestinians tried in military courts within the occupied West Bank. It stipulates that those convicted of “acts of terrorism” resulting in death must be executed by hanging within 90 days of sentencing. A single postponement of up to 180 days is permitted under the new rules.
International and domestic backlash
Human rights organisations and international diplomats have expressed deep concern following the vote. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy warned that the bill undermines democratic principles.
Critics argue the law is discriminatory because it applies almost exclusively to Palestinians. Israeli settlers in the West Bank remain under civilian jurisdiction where these rules do not apply.
Human Rights Watch stated that the law entrenches a “two-tiered system of justice”. Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at the group, noted the bill aims to kill detainees faster with less scrutiny. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority condemned the move as a legitimisation of extrajudicial killings.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, hundreds of protesters held sit-ins and marches on Tuesday. Demonstrators carried signs warning that “silence is deadly” while calling for the protection of prisoners. The Fatah political party has announced a general strike in the northern West Bank for Wednesday in response.
Image via Al Jazeera.
