RAMALLAH, (PIC)
The Israeli Knesset’s final approval on Monday of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, passed in its second and third readings, has sparked broad Palestinian and factional outrage, alongside warnings of dangerous humanitarian and security repercussions, amid Israel’s continued disregard for international law.
The Knesset formally ratified the law after prior approval by the National Security Committee. The move has been described as a significant and alarming shift in how Palestinian detainees are treated in Israeli prisons.
The law mandates the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, to be carried out within 90 days, with no possibility of pardon or sentence reduction, under specific procedures.
Official rejection and legal concerns
The Palestinian presidency strongly rejected the law, calling it a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It described the legislation as a new war crime against the Palestinian people and warned it could further destabilize the region. The presidency stressed that such measures would not break Palestinian resolve or deter their pursuit of freedom and independence.
Fatah: Legalizing killing
The Fatah Movement condemned the law as a direct legalization of killing inside prisons, arguing it gives formal cover to longstanding practices such as torture, medical neglect, and abuse of detainees.
It said the law reflects escalating racism within the Israeli regime and called on the international community to take firm action.
Hamas: A dangerous precedent
The Hamas Movement described the law as evidence of Israel’s “violent and terror-based approach,” warning it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the lives of thousands of prisoners.
The Movement urged the international community, especially the United Nations and the Red Cross, to intervene immediately to halt its implementation and called on Palestinians everywhere to intensify efforts in support of prisoners.
Popular Front: Deepening criminality
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said the law represents a new level of criminal escalation within broader policies, it describes as genocidal, emphasizing that prisoners will remain symbols of resistance despite such measures.
Condemnations and accountability calls
The Asra Media Office condemned the law as an unprecedented act of aggression against detainees, holding Israel fully responsible for its consequences.
It called for international isolation of the Knesset and its boycott in global parliamentary forums, warning that continued impunity undermines global humanitarian and legal systems.
Legal challenge
Suhad Bishara, director of the legal unit at the human rights organization, Adalah, said the law effectively legitimizes deliberate, cold-blooded killing in cases where prisoners pose no real threat.
She added that the legislation is based on ethnic discrimination and violates the principle of equality, amounting to prohibited racial discrimination.
Bishara also noted that applying Israeli domestic law to residents of the occupied West Bank violates international law, as the Knesset has no authority to legislate for occupied populations under the Hague Regulations.
Adalah announced it will file an immediate petition with Israel’s Supreme Court challenging the law.
Jordan condemns
Jordan condemned the law, calling it a clear violation of international and humanitarian law, and reaffirmed its rejection of such a discriminatory and illegitimate measure.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to take immediate action to prevent Israel from implementing the law.
Arab Parliament calls for protection
Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi strongly condemned the law, calling it a grave violation of international conventions, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee protection for prisoners.
He warned that the law constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity, reflecting policies of retaliation and extrajudicial killing.
Al-Yamahi called on international bodies, including the UN, Security Council, Human Rights Council, and Red Cross, to act urgently, hold Israeli leaders accountable, and ensure immediate international protection for Palestinian prisoners.