Israel Moves to Introduce Death Penalty for Palestinians in Controversial Bill
In a move widely condemned as brutal and discriminatory, the Israeli Knesset on Monday passed the first reading of a bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian detainees accused of “terrorism.” The proposed law, which applies exclusively to Palestinians, marks a stark escalation in Israel’s punitive policies amid ongoing violence and unrest
in Gaza and the West Bank. According to reports, the bill received support from 33 members of parliament, while 16 voted against it. It now heads for two additional readings before it can be enacted. Human rights observers have warned that the legislation could be used to further criminalize Palestinian resistance and silence dissent under the guise of security. Critics say it represents yet another step in Israel’s campaign of collective punishment, carried out with impunity amid international silence. If approved, the law would make Israel one of the few democracies to reinstate capital punishment — but only for one group of people: Palestinians.