Hundreds protest Israeli law allowing execution of Palestinian prisoners in West Bank

Demonstrations staged across several cities to condemn Knesset-approved measure targeting Palestinian detainees

Hundreds of Palestinians protested Tuesday across the occupied West Bank to denounce the passage of an Israeli law mandating the execution of Palestinian prisoners.  The demonstrations were staged in several cities, including Ramallah, Tubas, Nablus and Jenin in the north, as well as Hebron in the south, following calls by prisoner advocacy groups.  Protesters held signs condemning the law and calling for Israel to be held accountable for its “violations” against Palestinian detainees. They also chanted slogans against Israeli policies and in support of prisoners held in Israeli custody.  Former prisoners, public figures and families of detainees joined the protests.  The Knesset passed the controversial law Monday evening by 62-48 votes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in support of the law.  Under the law, executions would be carried out by hanging by prison guards appointed by the Israeli Prison Service. Those involved would have anonymity and legal immunity.  The legislation also mandates transferring those sentenced to death to special detention facilities and restricting visits to authorized parties. Meetings with lawyers would be limited to video communication.  The law allows courts to issue death sentences without a request from prosecutors and does not require a unanimous decision, permitting rulings by a simple majority.  It also applies to military courts that handle cases involving Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and grants the defense minister the right to present an opinion before the court.  The measure bars appeals once a death sentence is issued against Palestinian prisoners.  In some cases involving prisoners held inside Israel, courts may commute death sentences to life imprisonment.  The law has drawn domestic criticism. About 1,200 Israeli figures, including Nobel laureates, former military officials and former Supreme Court judges, voiced strong opposition in February, calling it a “moral stain.” More than 9,500 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, including 350 children and 73 women. Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups say detainees face torture, starvation and medical neglect, leading to dozens of deaths.  Since October 2023, Israel has intensified measures against Palestinian prisoners alongside its war in Gaza, which it is conducting with US support. The conflict has killed more than 72,000 people and wounded 172,000 others, most of them women and children.