Israel’s Knesset Passes Bill Allowing Execution of Palestinian Prisoners in 1st Reading

The Israeli Knesset has approved in a first reading a controversial bill allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners. 

The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and renewed international concern over Israel’s treatment of detainees.

The proposed legislation, backed by right-wing members of the Israeli government, would permit the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in what Israel defines as “terror-related” attacks. The bill must still pass two additional readings before becoming law.

Analysts say the measure marks an escalation in Israel’s punitive policies toward Palestinians and could further inflame tensions across the occupied territories. Critics argue the law would violate international legal standards, including the prohibition of discriminatory application of capital punishment.

In a related development, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs has urged Israeli authorities to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and open more border crossings to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

According to Alqahera News, the senior UN official stressed that immediate and unhindered access is essential to deliver life-saving assistance to civilians trapped in Gaza, where widespread destruction, shortages of food and water, and a collapsing health system have left millions in urgent need.

The appeal comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to ease its restrictions on aid convoys, as humanitarian agencies warn that current levels of access remain far below what is needed to meet Gaza’s critical needs.

Human rights advocates and aid organizations have called on Israel to reverse policies that exacerbate the crisis and to engage with the UN and regional mediators to ensure sustained humanitarian access and protect civilians under international law.