Mar 31 (V7N) – Israel's parliament has passed a controversial bill allowing the execution of Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly terrorist attacks. The bill was approved on Monday with 62 votes in favor and 48 against, championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The law would apply to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where suspects are automatically tried in Israeli military courts. Under the legislation, those convicted of deadly attacks deemed "acts of terrorism" by the courts could face death by hanging within 90 days of sentencing, with a possible postponement of up to 180 days. The law also provides for a life imprisonment sentence in special circumstances.

The bill has sparked significant criticism both domestically and internationally, with accusations of discrimination and violation of basic human rights. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel immediately filed a petition with Israel's Supreme Court, arguing that the law creates "two parallel tracks"—one for Palestinians in military courts and another for Israeli nationals in civilian courts. The rights group contends that the law disproportionately targets Palestinians and fails to apply equally to Jewish perpetrators of similar crimes.

The Council of Europe also condemned the law, stating that it represents a "serious regression" in Israel’s treatment of Palestinian civilians.

Miriam Azem, the international advocacy coordinator at Adalah, an Arab rights group, warned that the law would only exacerbate abuses against Palestinians, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza conflict. She expressed concern that the Israeli judiciary might not intervene, as it has often shown tolerance for human rights violations when it comes to Palestinians.

In contrast, the United States has expressed respect for Israel's sovereign right to enact its own laws but urged that any death penalties be implemented with "fair trials" and respect for **"applicable fair trial guarantees." The Palestinian Authority condemned the bill, calling it part of Israel's colonial system, while the Palestinian Hamas movement said the law reflects Israel’s policy of “killing and terrorism”.

Supporters of the bill, including Ben Gvir, argue that it is a necessary measure to combat terrorism and prevent future attacks. Ben Gvir wore a noose-shaped lapel pin in the lead-up to the vote, symbolizing his endorsement of the legislation. He celebrated the passing of the bill on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "We made history!!! We promised. We delivered."

Limor Son Har-Melech, a lawmaker from Ben Gvir’s party, whose husband was killed in an attack by Palestinian militants, also supported the bill, emphasizing the need for justice for families affected by terrorism.

The bill has drawn strong concern from European nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, which expressed fear that the law could undermine Israel’s commitment to democratic principles. These nations voiced their concerns, stating that the law could undermine Israel's reputation as a democratic state by legitimizing extrajudicial killings.

The United Nations and human rights groups have raised alarms about the potential violation of international law, particularly the prohibition on arbitrary executions and discriminatory practices.

While the death penalty exists for certain crimes in Israel, the country has not executed anyone since 1962, when Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal, was hanged. Israel has long been considered a de facto abolitionist country in terms of the death penalty, and this bill marks a significant shift in its judicial approach.

The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, and tensions have surged following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas. This attack triggered a new wave of violence, and both Israeli and Palestinian casualties continue to mount.

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