Israel’s parliament gave final approval to a highly contentious measure that institutes the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, signaling a severe shift in the nation's penal policies.

Widespread Protests Erupt Across Palestinian Territories

Hundreds of demonstrators mobilized across the occupied West Bank and Gaza City on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to voice their outrage over the new legislation.

Focus on the West Bank Implementation

The law is particularly sweeping in the West Bank, where military courts, which exclusively try Palestinians, will now default to the death penalty for murder convictions, barring special circumstances.

In Nablus, protesters held signs reading, “Time is running out and silence is deadly,” featuring imagery of a prisoner next to a noose. Demonstrators chanted slogans supporting those held in Israeli jails, calling them “the symbol of struggle, [and] the symbol of steadfastness.”

The Fatah political party responded by announcing a general strike scheduled for Wednesday in the northern West Bank region.

Political Reaction and Legal Ramifications

The bill successfully passed its final vote late Monday, met with applause from supporters in the Knesset.

Israel’s Minister of National Security, who championed the legislation, celebrated the law as long overdue and an affirmation of national pride. Following the vote, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video of himself popping champagne.

Palestinian officials immediately condemned the decision, asserting that the measure violates international law. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called for sanctions against Israel’s parliament and its suspension from international organizations.

International Law Concerns Raised

A statement from the Ministry claimed the law formalizes “extrajudicial killings under a legal guise,” describing it as an “institutionalized policy of field executions based on discriminatory and racist standards.”

Amnesty International has previously warned that applying the death penalty under this new measure could breach international prohibitions against torture and the right to life.

Next Steps and Scope of the Law

The legislation is slated to take effect within 30 days, though court challenges at Israel’s highest tribunal could postpone its enforcement. Importantly, the measure is not retroactive and will not apply to current prisoners.

The passage culminates years of effort by Israel’s far-right factions seeking harsher punishments for Palestinians convicted of attacks against Israelis. The law also extends to Israeli courts, offering them the option to impose the death penalty for nationalistic murder convictions.

Legal experts suggest this provision effectively limits those eligible for execution to Palestinian citizens of Israel, excluding Jewish citizens. In response, a coalition of Israeli rights groups and opposition lawmakers announced plans to petition Israel’s Supreme Court to nullify the law.

In Gaza City, dozens demonstrated outside the Red Cross headquarters, where women held framed photographs of prominent Palestinian prisoners.