Jerusalem – Web Desk: Israel has enforced a controversial new law allowing the death penalty in certain terrorism-related cases involving Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, triggering strong criticism from Palestinian groups and human rights organizations.
According to Israeli media reports, the military order required to implement the law was signed by Avi Bluth, head of the Israeli army’s Central Command, officially bringing the legislation into force.
Under the new law, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of killing Israeli citizens in terrorism-related cases could face mandatory death sentences, with military courts reportedly having limited authority to issue alternative punishments. Only exceptional cases may qualify for life imprisonment instead of execution.
Reports said the legislation was approved by the Israeli parliament earlier this year, after Israel Katz requested military authorities to issue formal enforcement directives.
The most controversial aspect of the law is that it reportedly applies only to Palestinians living in the occupied territories, while Israeli citizens and residents are excluded from its scope.
Palestinian defendants in the occupied West Bank are generally tried in military courts, whereas Israeli citizens are prosecuted through civilian courts, a distinction that critics say reflects a dual legal system.
Palestinian officials and several human rights groups have condemned the measure as discriminatory and warned that it could further inflame tensions in the region.
The development comes amid ongoing unrest and heightened international concern over the humanitarian and security situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
