The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged Israel to repeal newly approved legislation reinstating the death penalty, warning that the measure is discriminatory and violates international law.
In a statement following the vote in the Knesset, Türk said the law appears to target Palestinians almost exclusively and conflicts with Israel’s international legal obligations, including protections related to the right to life and fair trial guarantees.
Türk expressed “deep disappointment” over the legislation’s approval, citing serious concerns about due process violations and calling for the law to be revoked “as a matter of urgency.”
“The discriminatory application of the death penalty constitutes a grave breach of international law,” he said, adding that carrying out executions in the occupied Palestinian territory could amount to a war crime.
- Key Provisions Raise Concern
According to the UN human rights office, the law includes several contentious elements. It designates hanging as the primary method of execution for Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly attacks against Israelis in the occupied West Bank.
The legislation also requires that executions be carried out within 90 days of sentencing and removes the possibility of pardon or commutation—both of which, the UN says, contravene international human rights standards.
Moreover, amendments to Israeli penal law would allow for the death penalty in cases of intentional killings of Israelis classified as “terrorism.” The law could also be applied retroactively to individuals convicted over the October 7, 2023 attacks, raising concerns over violations of the principle of legality.
Türk reiterated the United Nations’ long-standing opposition to capital punishment, warning that it undermines human dignity and carries the irreversible risk of executing innocent individuals.
- Concerns Over Special Military Court
Separately, Türk raised alarm over a proposed bill before the Knesset to establish a special military court to prosecute crimes linked to the October 2023 attacks.
According to the UN, the proposed court would have jurisdiction solely over crimes committed by Palestinian armed groups, with no mandate to investigate alleged violations by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Focusing exclusively on crimes committed by Palestinians risks entrenching one-sided, discriminatory justice,” Türk said, while emphasizing the importance of accountability for all violations without discrimination.
- Call for Equal Justice
The UN human rights office warned that the legislative measures could further entrench practices amounting to racial discrimination or apartheid, particularly if applied in a manner that disproportionately targets Palestinians.
Türk stressed that all victims are entitled to equal protection under the law and called for accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of identity.
He also noted that international human rights law generally prohibits the trial of civilians before military courts, except in exceptional circumstances.
Türk concluded by urging Israeli authorities to bring domestic legislation into line with international legal standards and to ensure the fair and equal application of justice.
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