The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned a new Israeli law that would allow the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terror-related deadly attacks, calling it a potential war crime. The law, passed by the Israeli Knesset on Monday, applies only to Palestinians and not to Jewish extremists accused of similar crimes, drawing widespread international criticism.
In a statement, Türk described the legislation as 'patently inconsistent with Israel's international law obligations' and 'deeply discriminatory'. He warned that its application to residents of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute a war crime. The law makes the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians in the West Bank found guilty of intentional deadly attacks deemed terrorism by military courts.
European leaders and human rights groups have voiced strong opposition. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni called the law 'a clear step backwards', while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labelled it 'a step closer to apartheid'. Germany, a close ally of Israel, expressed 'great concern', reiterating its rejection of the death penalty as a fundamental principle.
The legislation allows military courts to impose death sentences by a simple majority, without requiring unanimity or a prosecutor's request. Executions would be carried out within 90 days, with strict restrictions on visits and legal consultations. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key supporter, has worn a noose-shaped lapel pin symbolising executions.
Human Rights Watch's Adam Coogle said the bill 'entrenches discrimination and a two-tiered system of justice, both hallmarks of apartheid'. Oxfam's Shaista Aziz called it 'another horrifying act of violence'. Israel has rarely used the death penalty, with the last execution being Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962. The law now faces legal challenges within Israel.
