Israel’s Supreme Court has formally requested the government provide a response by May 24 concerning a petition aimed at annulling a recently approved law. This legislation permits the execution of Palestinian prisoners, a move that has triggered escalating international criticism.

Controversial Legislation Targets Palestinian Convicts

The law, which secured backing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was passed by the Knesset on Monday, establishes the death penalty as the standard punishment. This applies specifically to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of carrying out deadly attacks.

Erosion of Legal Safeguards

The new measure authorizes executions by hanging and significantly strips away crucial legal protections previously afforded to defendants. Key changes include removing the right to appeal the sentence.

Under the revised rules, courts can impose death sentences without needing a prosecutor’s recommendation or requiring a unanimous verdict from the jury. Furthermore, defense lawyers will face restrictions, limited to communicating with their clients via video link only.

This legislation also extends to military courts trying Palestinians, which human rights organizations frequently criticize for failing to uphold due process standards.

International Condemnation Mounts

Global reaction to the law has been swift and largely negative, with several key international bodies voicing profound disapproval of the legislative shift.

European Union Warns of Discrimination

The European Union expressed deep concern, labeling the enactment a “clear step backwards” regarding fundamental human rights and democratic benchmarks. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni confirmed the bloc’s opposition to capital punishment “in all cases and under all circumstances.”

El Anouni highlighted the law’s “discriminatory nature” and pointed out that Israel had previously maintained a de facto moratorium on executions. The EU’s chief diplomat is reportedly continuing engagement with Israeli officials over this controversy.

Spain Labels Measure an ‘Apartheid Step’

Spain issued one of the harshest rebukes, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describing the law as discriminatory and “another step towards apartheid.” Sanchez argued the law creates a system of unequal justice because it will not apply to Israelis committing comparable offenses.

Sanchez stated emphatically, “Same crime, different punishment. That is not justice,” urging the global community to speak out against the measure.

Germany Raises Core Policy Concerns

Germany also sharply criticized the legislation, warning it risks being applied disproportionately against Palestinians. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius affirmed that opposing the death penalty is a fundamental German policy principle.

While acknowledging Israel’s stated security needs, Berlin expressed that it views the law “with great concern,” stressing its apparent intent to target Palestinians in the occupied territories. Germany concluded by stating it “regrets” the decision and cannot endorse the new legislation.

Broader Context of Prisoner Treatment

This legal development occurs amidst growing reports from rights groups detailing widespread abuse of Palestinian prisoners. These reports cite instances of torture, starvation, and inadequate medical care within Israeli detention centers.

Advocacy and official sources indicate that more than 9,300 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently detained by Israeli authorities. Critics contend that this new law further solidifies an unequal justice system while Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and escalates actions across the occupied territories.