Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, on Thursday strongly condemned Israel’s new law that makes the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In the statement, the countries described the law as “a dangerous escalation” and “discriminatory.” They warned that it further entrenches a system of apartheid and denies the basic rights of the Palestinian people.
Concern Over Prisoner Conditions
The eight countries also expressed deep concern about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. They highlighted credible reports of torture, inhumane treatment, starvation, and denial of basic rights.
They stressed that these practices are part of a broader pattern of violations against Palestinians and called for accountability and urgent international efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Unequal Justice System
Under the new law, passed late Monday, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted by military courts of “terrorism” charges involving deadly attacks will face death by hanging as the default sentence. Palestinians are tried in military courts, while Israelis are tried in civilian courts.
The law has drawn widespread criticism, including from the European Union, Germany, and Canada. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly asked for some parts of the legislation to be softened in an attempt to reduce international backlash.
