DZWatch Exclusive: Palestinian factions have strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s initial approval of a bill that would allow the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners. Describing the move as a dangerous and criminal escalation, various groups have called for international intervention.
Hamas, in an official statement, asserted that the Knesset’s action is “an extension of the Zionist regime’s racist and criminal approach, and an attempt to legalize organized mass murder against our Palestinian people living under occupation.” The group emphasized that proceeding with such legislation, in full view of the international community, demonstrates a blatant disregard for international laws, humanitarian principles, and human rights.
Hamas urged the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to condemn the bill, impose sanctions on Israel, and pressure it to reverse course. They also called for the establishment of international investigative committees to examine the conditions of Palestinian prisoners, who they say are subjected to systematic torture and abuse, leading to the deaths of numerous detainees.
The Islamic Jihad Movement echoed these sentiments, stating that the bill’s approval confirms that all Israeli institutions are “criminal tools used to inflict suffering” on the Palestinian people. They accused Israel of attempting to establish a dual legal system in the West Bank, one that convicts Palestinians while granting immunity to settlers and occupiers.
The Islamic Jihad Movement also called on international institutions and governments to take decisive action to halt what they describe as Israeli criminality and to prosecute Israeli government ministers and Knesset members who voted in favor of the bill before international courts for inciting war crimes.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling the bill as a war crime and a fascist step towards legalizing murder. The PFLP implored the international community and human rights organizations to act urgently to stop these measures and hold Israel accountable.
