Israel's Knesset Passes Death Penalty Law Targeting Palestinians
Key Takeaways
- Knesset approved death-penalty law targeting Palestinians convicted of terrorism.
- Law applies only to Palestinians under military courts.
- UN calls repeal; international condemnation follows across regions.
Death Penalty Law Passes
Israel's Knesset voted 62-48 to pass a death penalty law that applies exclusively to Palestinians.
“On Monday, March 30, the Knesset approved a law that allows courts to impose the death penalty on people recognized as 'terrorists' by Israel”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated on the Knesset floor with a bottle of champagne.
The UN's human rights chief said its application to Palestinians would constitute a war crime.
Protests erupted across the Occupied Palestinian Territories and neighboring countries.
Exclusive Application to Palestinians
The law mandates military courts to pronounce the death penalty for Palestinians.
Jewish Israelis, including settlers, are exempt.
The Association France Palestine Solidarité called it a new apartheid law.
The broader conflict disrupted aid logistics.
Domestic and International Outcry
Ofer Cassif called it a genocide law.
“How will Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis be executed in Israel”
Human rights organizations filed petitions to Israel's Supreme Court.
China urged Israel not to use the law to discriminate against Palestinians.
Iran's President Raisi welcomed it.
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