A group of eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, has strongly condemned a new Israeli law permitting the death penalty for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
In a joint statement issued by their foreign ministers, the countries — also including Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates — denounced the legislation approved by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
The ministers said the law allows for the imposition of capital punishment in the occupied West Bank and could be applied in practice against Palestinians.
They warned that ongoing Israeli measures are entrenching what they described as an apartheid system, accompanied by exclusionary rhetoric that denies the “inalienable rights” of the Palestinian people and their presence in occupied territories.
The statement described the legislation as a “dangerous escalation,” particularly due to what the ministers called its discriminatory application against Palestinian detainees.
They cautioned that such actions could inflame tensions and undermine regional stability.
The ministers also expressed deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, citing credible reports of continued violations, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, and deprivation of basic rights.
They said these practices reflect a broader pattern of violations against Palestinians.
The countries reiterated their rejection of Israeli policies they described as based on racial discrimination, repression and aggression targeting Palestinians.
They called for restraint and urged Israel to refrain from measures that could escalate tensions, stressing the need for accountability and increased international efforts to maintain stability and prevent further deterioration in the region.
The statement was issued by the foreign ministries of the participating countries on April 2, 2026.
