A controversial new law in Israel allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism has drawn fierce international condemnation and warnings from the United Nations. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that, if enacted, the legislation would violate international law and could be classified as a war crime. The law, passed by the Israeli Knesset, specifically targets Palestinians while exempting Jewish extremists accused of similar offenses, raising serious concerns about discrimination and justice.
UN Condemns Discriminatory Legislation
Volker Türk described the proposed law as "patently inconsistent" with Israel's international law obligations, particularly regarding the right to life. He emphasized that the law raises "serious concerns about due process violations" and must be repealed immediately. Türk warned that the law's discriminatory application, especially in the occupied Palestinian territories, would constitute a severe violation of international law. "Its application in a discriminatory manner would constitute an additional, particularly egregious violation of international law," he stated. Originally reported by The Guardian.
This criticism comes as several European leaders and human rights organizations join the call against the legislation. Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the European Union, also expressed deep concern, labeling the bill as a significant step backward. "The death penalty bill in Israel is very concerning to us in the EU," he said, pointing out the discriminatory nature of the law.
Global Leaders Voice Alarm
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was particularly vocal, describing the bill as "a step closer to apartheid." He noted the asymmetry in the law, highlighting that it would not apply to Israelis committing identical offenses. "Same crime, different punishment. That is not justice. It is a step closer to apartheid," Sánchez remarked on social media platform X.
Germany, a long-standing ally of Israel, also expressed apprehension. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated, "The German government views the law passed yesterday with great concern," reiterating that the rejection of the death penalty is a core principle of German policy. He added, "such a law would likely apply exclusively to Palestinians in the Palestinian territories."
Details of the Death Penalty Bill
The controversial legislation mandates the death penalty as the default punishment for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank who are convicted of fatal attacks labeled as terrorism by military courts. Under the new law, those sentenced to death will be housed in a separate facility, with visitation restricted to authorized personnel and legal consultations conducted via video link. Notably, executions are to occur within 90 days of sentencing, which raises further concerns about the legal processes involved.
Historically, Israel has rarely imposed the death penalty, with the last execution occurring in 1962 when Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was put to death. The current national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a strong advocate of the bill, has publicly displayed a noose-shaped lapel pin, symbolizing support for executions under the proposed law. Amendments made by a security committee facilitated the bill's passage through its initial voting stages.
Human Rights Concerns Mount
Human rights advocates have decried the implications of the law, arguing that it perpetuates a two-tiered system of justice that discriminates against Palestinians. Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, criticized Israeli officials' claims that the death penalty is a matter of national security. "In reality, it entrenches discrimination and a two-tiered system of justice, both hallmarks of apartheid," Coogle asserted. He highlighted the irreversible nature of the death penalty and expressed concern over the expedited execution process outlined in the bill.
Shaista Aziz, campaign engagement lead at Oxfam, condemned the legislation as "another horrifying act of violence," emphasizing that it violates international law. Aziz noted that Israel currently holds over 9,000 Palestinians in detention, many under inhumane conditions. "Israel is violating international law," she stated, reiterating the bill's potential to further endanger Palestinian lives amidst ongoing violence.
Within Israel, the new law faces legal challenges, with several human rights organizations and three members of parliament petitioning the Supreme Court to annul it. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel argues that the law establishes "two parallel tracks, both designed to apply to Palestinians" and should thus be struck down on constitutional grounds.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.