DaysofPAL- A wave of Palestinian anger and international condemnation has followed the Israeli parliament’s final approval of a controversial law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, in a significant escalation in the treatment of detainees.
The Knesset passed the legislation in its second and third readings on Tuesday, marking its final approval stage.
According to Hebrew media reports, the measure was backed by 62 lawmakers, while 47 voted against it. Further discussions are expected on the law’s detailed provisions as part of the legislative process.
The vote exposed divisions within Israeli political leadership, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Avigdor Lieberman and Aryeh Deri, supported the bill.
In contrast, opposition figures, including Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Moshe Gafni voted against it, alongside Arab parties.
Palestinian groups across the political spectrum strongly denounced the legislation, describing it as a violation of international law and a dangerous turning point.
The Hamas Movement said the law reflects the Israeli “violent and terror-based approach,” accusing it of disregarding international legal and humanitarian norms.
The group warned that the measure threatens the lives of Palestinian detainees and called on the international community, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, to intervene urgently.
Similarly, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad described the move as evidence of a “thirst for bloodshed,” alleging that Israel is using its legal system to legitimize political executions.
The group argued the law constitutes a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions, particularly those governing occupied territories, and called for international legal action.
Other factions echoed similar concerns. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine labeled the law a “dangerous criminal decline,” warning it could further destabilize the region and trigger broader confrontation.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement described the legislation as the beginning of a “more violent phase,” accusing Israeli occupation of seeking to institutionalize harsh measures against prisoners.
The Palestinian National Initiative called for international sanctions and boycotts in response, arguing that condemnations alone would not deter Israeli policies.
Palestinian groups and human rights advocates argue that the law violates international conventions, including prohibitions against cruel treatment, and could amount to a war crime. They are urging bodies such as the International Court of Justice and UN investigative committees to classify the measure as a crime against humanity and pursue legal accountability.
Analysts warn that the law could significantly heighten tensions, with factions cautioning that any implementation may provoke widespread unrest and further destabilize the region.
The development marks a critical moment in the long-standing issue of Palestinian prisoners, with growing concerns that it could usher in a new and more volatile phase in the occupation.
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