RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian leaders have denounced a proposed Israeli law that would allow the death penalty for prisoners convicted of ‘terrorism,’ calling it a violation of international law and an escalation in already fraught relations. The bill, advanced by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and human rights groups.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) issued a statement Wednesday accusing Israel of ‘institutionalizing extrajudicial killings’ and warned the move could further destabilize the region. ‘This is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions,’ said a senior PA official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations.
Israeli officials defend the legislation as necessary deterrence following recent attacks. ‘Those who murder Jews should pay with their lives,’ Justice Minister Yariv Levin told parliament during debate on the bill. The Knesset is expected to vote on the measure within weeks.
Analysts note the controversy comes amid heightened violence in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have conducted near-daily raids since October 2023. UN data shows over 300 Palestinians and 30 Israelis killed in the latest surge of hostilities.
If passed, the law could complicate U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks and potentially trigger ICC investigations. ‘This crosses a red line in international humanitarian law,’ said a Geneva-based human rights monitor consulted for this story.