Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, passed legislation on Monday that designates the death penalty as the default punishment for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of killing Israelis. The move has drawn swift and widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations and political leaders warning that the law is both discriminatory and in violation of international legal standards. Here’s a closer look at how key actors have responded.
Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the legislation as a “dangerous escalation,” stressing in a social media statement that Israel holds “no sovereignty over Palestinian land” in the occupied territories. The ministry argued that the law reflects what it called a colonial system seeking to legitimize extrajudicial killings under legal cover.
Hamas
The Palestinian group Hamas condemned the law as a dangerous precedent that threatens the lives of Palestinian detainees. In its statement, Hamas accused Israeli leadership of disregarding international law and humanitarian norms, and called on bodies such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene and protect prisoners.
Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative
Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, warned that the law could be used to target political prisoners and activists. Writing on X, he described the proposal as evidence of a “fascist shift” within Israel’s political system, criticizing the international community for failing to take punitive action.
UN Human Rights Office
The United Nations Human Rights Office in Palestine urged Israel to “immediately repeal” the law, emphasizing that it violates obligations under international law. The office reiterated the UN’s opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances, adding that the measure could constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment and further entrench discriminatory legal practices.
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif
Al-Azhar Al-Sharif strongly condemned the move, calling it an attempt to give legal cover to acts of killing. The institution described the law as a reflection of “barbarity and moral depravity,” warning that it constitutes a clear violation of international law and fundamental human values. It also called on the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate action and hold those responsible accountable.
Council of Europe
Alain Berset, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, labeled the legislation a “serious regression.” He described the death penalty as a legal anachronism incompatible with modern human rights standards, particularly when applied in a discriminatory manner.
Italy and European Allies
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, revealed that Italy, alongside Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, had urged Israel to withdraw the bill prior to its passage. He underscored international commitments, particularly within the framework of the United Nations, supporting a global moratorium on the death penalty.
Ireland
Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed “particular concern” over what she described as the law’s discriminatory nature. Reaffirming Ireland’s longstanding opposition to capital punishment, she stressed that the right to life remains a fundamental human right and urged Israel not to implement the legislation.
The Knesset’s newly approved law has drawn sharp international backlash; Palestinian officials and global bodies alike have condemned the move as discriminatory and a violation of international law. Leaders and institutions warn that the legislation could further escalate tensions while undermining fundamental human rights and legal standards.
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