International condemnation is growing after Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, passed a discriminatory law approving the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks.
The move has been widely criticised by human rights organisations and foreign governments as a violation of international law.
The law, passed on Monday, makes death by hanging the default punishment for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty of killing Israelis, sparking fears for Palestinian prisoners and raising concerns about unequal justice under Israeli law.
Human rights organisations and Palestinian leaders say the legislation specifically targets Palestinians, since Israeli citizens accused of similar crimes are tried in civilian courts, while Palestinians in the West Bank are tried in military courts.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has already filed an appeal against the law at Israel’s Supreme Court, warning that it violates fundamental human rights.
The organisation described the legislation as “discriminatory and unconstitutional, and a serious violation of fundamental human rights.”
Observers say the law further entrenches a dual legal system in which Palestinians and Israelis are treated differently under the law, especially in the occupied territories.
Palestinian Reaction
The Palestinian Authority described the legislation as a “dangerous escalation”, warning that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian land.
Palestinian political leaders and rights advocates also warned that the law could be used against political prisoners and activists, and may lead to more executions of Palestinians under military court rulings.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights strongly condemned the law, saying it legalises what it described as extrajudicial executions under the cover of legislation.
“This law targets Palestinians and entrenches Israel’s long-standing policy of extrajudicial execution under the guise of law,” the group said in a statement.
The United Nations Human Rights Office called on Israel to immediately repeal what it described as a discriminatory death penalty law, noting that the UN opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.
“The implementation of this law would violate international law’s prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment,” the UN office said.
Amnesty International also condemned the legislation, describing it as “a public display of cruelty, discrimination and utter contempt for human rights.”
The organisation warned that the law puts Palestinian prisoners at serious risk.
European officials also criticised the law, describing the move as a serious regression and saying the death penalty is incompatible with modern human rights standards.
Officials from several European countries urged Israel to withdraw the law, warning that any discriminatory punishment violates international law and human rights conventions.
Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom voiced strong concern in a joint statement, warning that the legislation carries what they described as a “discriminatory character” and could undermine Israel’s commitment to democratic principles.
They reiterated their opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances, describing it as inhumane and ineffective as a deterrent.
In the United Kingdom, a group of MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and Adnan Hussain, wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemning the law, describing it as a violation of international law and warning it reflects a discriminatory dual legal system that could amount to crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, Slovenia also condemned the legislation, with Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon describing the law as “clearly discriminatory” against Palestinians and warning that justice cannot exist without fairness or be built on unequal treatment.
Despite global criticism, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who championed the bill, celebrated its passage and rejected international pressure to withdraw the legislation.
“We made history,” Ben-Gvir said after the vote, adding that Israel would not submit to international pressure over the law.
However, observers warn the law could further isolate Israel internationally, increase tensions in the region, and put more Palestinian prisoners at risk of execution.
Human rights advocates say the law represents a major escalation in Israel’s policies toward Palestinians and could lead to more executions, particularly of Palestinians tried in military courts where conviction rates are extremely high.
They warn that the legislation could deepen the conflict, increase international isolation for Israel, and further endanger Palestinians living under occupation.
