Palestinian factions blast Israel’s death penalty bill for prisoners

Shafaq News – Gaza

Palestinian factions on Tuesday condemned the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, calling it a “war crime” and a dangerous escalation in detainee treatment.

In separate statements, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian Resistance Committees, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine urged the United Nations, human rights organizations, and the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw what they labeled a racist and colonial measure that violates international law.

The bill, passed in its first reading on Monday, and advanced by Israel’s National Security Committee. Under Israeli law, a bill must pass three readings before becoming law.

Human rights groups estimate that over 9,250 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel, including women and minors, with many subjected to torture, medical neglect, and prolonged detention without trial. Dozens have died in custody.

Read more: Former detainees recount abuse inside Israeli prisons