Israel Passes Law Authorizing Execution of Palestinian Prisoners Convicted of Deadly Attacks

Israel's Knesset passed a law authorizing the execution of Palestinian prisoners by a vote of 62 to 48.

“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””

Al Jazeera

Prime Minister Netanyahu voted in favor.

Al Jazeera

The legislation applies primarily to Palestinians tried in military courts and does not apply equally to Israeli convicts.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said its application would constitute a war crime.

The law grants anonymity and legal immunity to those carrying out the executions.

The law has plunged Palestinian families into despair and fear.

Ikhlas al-Sayed said all her words failed her and all she could do was weep.

Anadolu Ajansı

Abbas al-Sayed was sentenced to 35 life terms plus 100 years.

The law stipulates execution of elite prisoners from Gaza will begin 90 days after enactment.

Ghufran Zamel said they were facing a new reality filled with fear and anticipation.

Amnesty International called on Israeli authorities to repeal the law.

“Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks face death penalty under new Israeli law Israel's parliament has approved a law that would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks”

BBC

A European Union spokesperson said the passage is very concerning.

Germany said it could not endorse the new law.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the legislation a step towards apartheid.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has petitioned the Supreme Court.

Protests erupted across Palestinian territories.

A large gathering took place in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.

Middle East Monitor

Ali al-Shashniya said the prisoners are not alone.

The law has faced domestic criticism within Israel as well.

Around 1,200 Israelis opposed it and described it as a moral stain.