Israeli Death Penalty Law Sparks Concern Among Palestinians

Israeli Parliament Approves Draft Law for Execution of Palestinian Prisoners

A new law in Israel aims to execute hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held on charges of fatal attacks against Israelis, according to an Israeli media report. The Israeli Prison Service has begun logistical preparations to implement the draft law, which outlines plans for a dedicated facility to carry out executions and train staff.

The draft law passed its first reading in the Israeli parliament in November, sparking controversy among legal experts who describe it as “racist legislation”. An amended version of the bill is currently being debated in a parliamentary committee before undergoing two more readings. No date has been set for a new vote.

Under the plan, executions would be implemented within 90 days of a court ruling and carried out by hanging. The law targets elite members of Hamas accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attack, as well as prisoners convicted of lethal attacks against Israelis in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli Prison Service has reported that dozens of Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli custody over the past two and a half years, with some deaths attributed to torture or medical neglect. Rights groups have documented at least 94 Palestinian deaths in Israeli custody since October 2023.

Israel holds thousands of Palestinians in its prisons for various reasons, including attacks on Israelis and involvement in resisting the occupation. The country has also been involved in a conflict with Hamas, which led to a genocidal war on Gaza that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people.

A Palestinian family whose member is serving a 28-year sentence has expressed concern about the new law. The family’s mother stated that her son suffers from chronic pain due to injuries sustained during an armed clash with Israeli soldiers in 2006.

Source: Al Jazeera