Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are expressing concerns that jailed relatives may face execution following Israel’s adoption of a new law. The legislation establishes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks.
The bill applies to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank found guilty of intentionally carrying out deadly attacks classified as “acts of terrorism” by Israeli military courts. Activists believe the law will disproportionately affect Palestinians in the West Bank.
The new law has drawn condemnation from opposition lawmakers, rights advocates, and some foreign governments, who view it as discriminatory. Israelis residing in the territory are subject to different court systems.