Palestinian factions have condemned the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of a bill that would impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, calling it a blatant war crime and a dangerous escalation in Israel’s long-standing repression of the Palestinian people.

In statements released Tuesday, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian Resistance Committees, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine urged the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the global community to take immediate action to halt what they described as a racist and colonial measure that violates international law and targets Palestinians simply for resisting occupation.

The legislation, passed in its first reading on Monday and advanced by Israel’s National Security Committee, must pass three readings to become law. Palestinians warn that even the first reading signals Israel’s intent to escalate its punishment of those imprisoned under its occupation.

Human rights organizations report that over 9,250 Palestinians remain detained in Israeli prisons, including women and minors, many of whom suffer torture, medical neglect, and prolonged detention without trial. Dozens have already died in custody, highlighting the ongoing brutality of Israel’s occupation.

Palestinian leaders emphasized that this proposed law is part of a broader system of oppression, collective punishment, and apartheid policies targeting the Palestinian people. They called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Palestine and to pressure Israel to withdraw the bill before it becomes law.

The factions warned that enacting the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners would further inflame tensions and deepen the injustice faced by a people living under decades of occupation and systematic persecution. (ILKHA)