Israel wants to execute Palestinians and the world will allow it | Human Rights
Israeli Knesset Considers Bill to Allow Death Penalty for Palestinians
The Israeli Knesset is advancing legislation that would enable the occupation authorities to execute Palestinians convicted of specific offenses. This proposed bill has reportedly gained little international attention, but it represents a significant concern for Palestinians, who view it as an exacerbation of existing fears.
The legislation is linked to the formation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government in late 2022, a deal that included demands from Itamar Ben-Gvir, the current national security minister. Ben-Gvir has been criticized for his hardline policies and actions in the West Bank over the past three years.
Earlier this year, the bill passed its first reading in November and outlines provisions for carrying out executions within 90 days of sentencing. Notably, it would allow no appeals, and executions would be conducted by hanging. Under the proposed law, Palestinians charged with planning attacks or killing Israelis would face the death penalty. Ben-Gvir has publicly advocated for such measures, including during a visit to Ofer Prison, where he filmed himself overseeing the treatment of detainees.
Critics argue that this legislative move reflects a long-standing disregard for Palestinian rights by the international community. In recent years, there has been scant global reaction to the treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, many of whom have faced significant abuse, regardless of whether they were formally charged.
Terminology and Context
The terminology used to describe Palestinians detained by Israel is contentious. The term “prisoners” is often criticized as misleading; many maintain that terms such as “captives” or “prisoners of war” more accurately represent the circumstances under which these individuals are held. Palestinians are frequently detained for protesting against the occupation or with no clear reason, often as a means of instilling fear in their communities.
Currently, over a third of Palestinians in Israeli custody are held under “administrative detention,” meaning they are detained without charge. This includes women and children, who are subject to a military court system that is viewed as biased.
One former detainee recounted their own experience with administrative detention, describing an arrest in 2015 in Ramallah that included prolonged isolation and torture without charges, eventually leading to release only after a hunger strike.
Concerns Over Treatment and Legal Standards
Reports indicate that conditions in Israeli military prisons have deteriorated since a significant uptick in violence in October 2023. Allegations of torture, starvation, and medical neglect have surged, with at least 88 Palestinians reported killed in custody since that date. The international community’s response has largely been limited to occasional expressions of concern.
The proposed death penalty for Palestinians is seen as aligning with existing practices perceived as violations of international law, including the Geneva Conventions, which stipulate protections for populations under occupation. Despite this, the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has often reframed Palestinians as threats, leading to widespread acceptance of measures that compromise their rights.
The death penalty bill has been met with alarm from human rights advocates, warning it could further intensify violence and diminish prospects for peaceful resolution. Families of detainees fear for their loved ones’ lives amid current restrictions on visitation and limited information about conditions.
Legislative Outlook
Discussions within the Israeli government suggest some internal opposition to advancing the bill. Reports indicate potential amendments aimed at softening its implications; however, skepticism remains regarding the ultimate trajectory of the legislation.
Historically, the Israeli government has faced minimal repercussions for actions perceived as violations of international law. Analysts suggest that calls for restraint or verbal condemnations have proven ineffective in curbing ongoing infringements.
As the situation evolves, advocates urge the international community to adopt a more robust approach, including potential sanctions against Israeli officials implicated in human rights abuses. Such measures could contribute to the hope of achieving justice for Palestinian detainees and help halt encroachments upon established international legal norms.
In conclusion, the future of the proposed bill remains uncertain, but its potential implications are generating significant concern among Palestinians, their advocates, and international observers monitoring the situation closely.
