DayofPal—A large public protest took place in Gaza City on Tuesday, as families of Palestinian prisoners, former detainees, and representatives of prisoner advocacy groups gathered to oppose Israel’s death penalty law targeting Palestinian prisoners.
The demonstration was held outside the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross in western Gaza. Protesters raised Palestinian flags and photos of detainees held in Israeli prisons, alongside banners condemning the legislation.
Slogans expressed strong opposition, with participants warning of serious consequences if the law is implemented.
During the rally, Hazem Qassem, a spokesperson for Hamas, warned that the law poses a direct threat to the lives of thousands of prisoners and violates international legal and humanitarian standards.
He accused Israeli authorities of long-standing abuses in detention, including torture and medical neglect.
He called for widespread public mobilization among Palestinians globally and urged protests outside embassies and international institutions.
He also appealed to the United Nations and human rights bodies to take urgent action to protect detainees.
Speakers at the event described the legislation as an unprecedented escalation in Israeli punitive policies. They said that the law contradicts international conventions governing the treatment of prisoners and called on the global community to intervene.
Participants also urged the Red Cross to take more concrete steps beyond issuing statements, emphasizing the need for stronger international pressure to halt the legislation.
Former prisoner representatives, including Magdi Amer, shared accounts of conditions inside Israeli prisons, highlighting concerns over detainee welfare.
One speaker described the law as deeply alarming and questioned the lack of international response.
Family members of current prisoners also spoke at the rally. Najah Al-Rifi, whose husband has reportedly been detained since late 2023, described months of uncertainty regarding his whereabouts and expressed growing fear following the approval of the law.
At the conclusion of the protest, participants pledged to continue public and media efforts until the law is repealed and protections for Palestinian prisoners are ensured under international law.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=73421
