Muslim World League Condemns Israeli Death Penalty Law
Makkah — The Muslim World League (MWL) on Friday condemned a new law passed by Knesset authorizing the death penalty in cases involving Palestinians, calling it discriminatory and a violation of basic human rights.
The legislation, approved earlier this week, allows for capital punishment to be applied as a default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of carrying out deadly attacks against Israelis, according to official statements and media reports.
MWL Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa said the measure reflects continued disregard for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people, citing concerns over what he described as repression, racial discrimination and inhumane treatment of detainees.
Under the legal framework, Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to military courts, while Israeli citizens, including Palestinian citizens of Israel, are tried in civilian courts. Critics say the structure effectively results in unequal application of the death penalty.
The MWL expressed support for similar positions taken by foreign ministers from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The law has added to international scrutiny of Israel’s legal and security policies in the occupied territories, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians within differing judicial systems.
