Outrage as Israel approves death penalty for Palestinians, Spain's PM labels it 'step towards apartheid'
Israel's parliament has approved a measure establishing the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, sparking widespread outrage and protests across Palestinian territories. Spain's Prime Minister further condemned the law, labeling it a 'step towards apartheid.'
Israel's parliament (Knesset) passed a controversial death penalty law on March 30, 2026, specifically targeting Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis or committing deadly terrorist acts. The legislation, which was approved with 62 votes in favor, mandates execution by hanging as the default punishment for Palestinians convicted in military courts of 'nationalistic murder' or killings aimed at 'negating Israel's existence.' The law requires executions to be carried out within 90 days of conviction, restricts appeals, and provides immunity for executioners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally attended the Knesset session to vote in favor of the measure, which was championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The law creates a discriminatory two-tiered justice system where Palestinians in the occupied West Bank face mandatory death sentences in military courts with over 99% conviction rates, while Israeli settlers committing similar offenses would be tried in civilian courts with discretion between death and life imprisonment. The legislation effectively excludes Israeli citizens from its harshest provisions and is unlikely to apply to Jewish Israelis, leading human rights organizations to characterize it as a hallmark of apartheid.
International condemnation has been swift and widespread. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explicitly condemned the law as a 'step towards apartheid,' aligning with broader European criticism. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk labeled the legislation 'deeply discriminatory' and warned that applying it in occupied Palestinian territory would constitute a war crime. Amnesty International called for immediate repeal, stating the law grants Israel 'carte blanche' to execute Palestinians without proper safeguards.
The Council of Europe expressed serious concern, describing the law as a 'serious regression' incompatible with human rights standards. European Union foreign ministers, Germany, Australia, and numerous human rights organizations have denounced the measure as draconian and inhumane. The law has sparked protests across Palestinian territories and raised legal concerns about violations of international law, including the Geneva Conventions and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The legislation represents the culmination of a year-long push by far-right Israeli politicians and awaits full implementation details amid ongoing international pressure.
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