Israel Enacts Death Penalty for West Bank Palestinians, Protests Erupt
Key Takeaways
- Knesset approves death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis.
- Protests erupt across the West Bank and Jerusalem following the vote.
- Rights groups and UN warn the measure risks war crimes and discrimination.
Knesset Passes Death Penalty Law
Israel's Knesset passed a law making death the default penalty for West Bank Palestinians.
“Hundreds of Palestinians have protested across the occupied West Bank to denounce the passage of an Israeli law approving the use of the death penalty against Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, which the United Nations human rights chief says could constitute a “war crime””
Netanyahu supported the bill championed by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The law applies differently in military courts that try Palestinians.
Protests Erupt Across West Bank
Hundreds of Palestinians protested throughout the occupied West Bank.
Clashes broke out near the Qalandia checkpoint with live rounds and tear gas.
The Fatah party called a general strike.
UN Rights Chief Condemns Law
UN human rights chief called the law deeply discriminatory.
The law's application in occupied territory could constitute a war crime.
More than 9,500 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons.
Rights Groups Warn of Apartheid
Human rights organizations warned the law creates a racist death penalty regime.
It does not apply retroactively to current prisoners.
Critics warn of escalating political violence.
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