Thread by @EuroMedHR

🧵The Israeli Knesset’s approval of a bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinian detainees and prisoners constitutes a dangerous escalation that further entrenches Israel’s apartheid system⤵️

The Knesset’s National Security Committee approved the bill on 3 November ahead of the first reading on 10 November. It now proceeds to second and third readings before becoming law. The bill was introduced by the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, led by Itamar Ben Gvir

The bill stipulates that “any person who intentionally or recklessly causes the death of an Israeli citizen or a person residing in Israel, when motivated by racism, hatred, or intent to harm Israel or the Israeli people, shall be subject to the death penalty.”

The enactment of this bill represents a dangerous escalation in Israeli policy towards Palestinians and confirms the systematic discrimination and violence imposed upon them, which has culminated in the ongoing genocide in the #Gaza Strip for more than two years

Imposing the death penalty against Palestinians constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law and of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power. Palestinians are protected persons under the Fourth Geneva Convention

The most dangerous aspect of the bill lies in its application within a judicial system that lacks guarantees of a fair trial for Palestinians. Confessions are extracted under duress, effective legal representation is unavailable, and the presumption of innocence is disregarded

Imposing the death penalty in a discriminatory manner against Palestinians based on national or religious identity contradicts the principle of equality before the law and constitutes a clear violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The current debate surrounding the bill creates a misleading impression that Israel had previously abolished the death penalty and is now seeking to “reinstate” it. In reality, Israel has continuously carried out extrajudicial killings and summary executions of Palestinians

The international community, particularly the states parties to the Geneva Conventions and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, must take immediate, effective measures to pressure Israel to withdraw and halt the death penalty bill

Israeli Knesset approval of death penalty bill, dangerous, perpetuates apartheid policies against Palestinians
euromedmonitor.org/a/6916