Summary
Eight Muslim-majority countries have criticized Israel for passing a law that imposes the death penalty specifically on Palestinians. The law was passed by Israel's parliament and only applies to Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks, not to Jewish Israelis. Concerns were also raised about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and potential escalation of tensions.
Key Facts
- Eight countries (Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) condemned Israel's death penalty law for Palestinians.
- The law applies to Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks but not to Jewish Israelis.
- Israel's parliament, the Knesset, passed the bill, supported by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- The countries expressed concern over the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention.
- The United Nations and the European Union have also criticized the law.
- Israel has used the death penalty twice since its establishment.
- Violence in the West Bank has increased since Israel's conflict in Gaza began in 2023.
- Under international law, Israel's legislation in the West Bank is controversial as it is not recognized as Israeli territory.
