Hundreds of demonstrators, spanning all ages, took to the streets across the Palestinian territories on Tuesday. The protests erupted immediately after Israel's parliament passed a measure establishing the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis.

Sweeping New Legislation Sparks Outcry

The new legislation specifically targets West Bank military courts, which exclusively try Palestinians. Under the new law, the death penalty by hanging will become the default sentence for those convicted, barring exceptional circumstances.

Palestinians held marches and sit-ins throughout the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the area where the law's impact is expected to be most significant. The Fatah political party has announced plans for a general strike in the northern West Bank scheduled for Wednesday.

Protesters Voice Anger and Fear

In the central West Bank city of Nablus, protesters carried signs reading, “Time is running out and silence is deadly.” One sign featured an animation of a prisoner wearing a keffiyeh next to a noose, urging action: “Stop the law to execute prisoners, before it’s too late.”

Chants in Nablus honored those currently incarcerated, with protesters declaring, “You are the symbol of struggle, You are the symbol of steadfastness.” Many held up pictures of friends and family held in Israeli jails, viewing them as emblems of national resistance.

Political Reaction and Legal Challenges

The bill secured final approval in the Israeli parliament late Monday, passing amid cheers and applause. Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who championed the legislation, hailed the law as long overdue and a demonstration of national pride and strength.

Following the vote, Ben Gvir celebrated by popping champagne. However, a coalition of Israeli rights groups and opposition lawmakers immediately announced plans to petition Israel’s Supreme Court to nullify the law.

The law is slated to take effect in 30 days, though pending court proceedings at Israel’s highest tribunal could delay its implementation. Importantly, the measure is not retroactive and will not apply to current prisoners.

International and Palestinian Condemnation

Palestinian officials issued statements condemning the death penalty measure, asserting that it violates international law. They called upon other nations to intervene in the matter.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry demanded sanctions against Israel's parliament and its suspension from international bodies. Their statement argued, “The law represents a critical turning point in the formalization of extrajudicial killings under a legal guise.” They further stressed that the law institutionalizes a policy of field executions based on discriminatory and racist standards.

Amnesty International expressed concern that applying the death penalty under this new measure could breach the prohibition against torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, as well as the right to life under international law.

Scope of the New Penal Policy

The passage of the bill concludes a multi-year effort by Israel’s far-right factions to intensify punishments for Palestinians convicted of attacking Israelis. The new law also extends to Israeli courts, granting them the option to impose the death penalty on Israeli citizens convicted of nationalistic murder.

Legal experts suggest that the specific language used effectively limits those eligible for the death sentence to Palestinian citizens of Israel, thereby excluding Jewish citizens.

In Gaza, dozens demonstrated outside the Red Cross headquarters. Women wearing hijabs held large framed photographs of prominent Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti.