Summary
Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem held protests and a general strike against a new Israeli law that allows the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. The law, supported by Israel’s National Security Minister, has sparked criticism from international groups, including the United Nations, who say it could be a war crime. The protests gathered many people who criticized the law, highlighting the unequal treatment faced by Palestinians.
Key Facts
- Palestinian shops and institutions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem were closed during protests.
- The protests were against a new Israeli law that imposes the death penalty for Palestinians involved in deadly attacks.
- The law was backed by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- Demonstrations took place in cities like Ramallah and Nablus, with signs opposing the law.
- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the law.
- More than 9,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons.
- The law applies only in military courts for Palestinians, creating a harsher legal system compared to Israeli civilian courts.
- Protests included actions like burning tires, met with responses such as rubber bullets and tear gas from Israeli soldiers.
