Arab nations condemn Israel’s death penalty law for Palestinians

Riyadh: Foreign ministers from eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have issued a strong joint condemnation of Israel’s newly passed law enabling the execution of Palestinian prisoners. The legislation, approved by the Knesset, applies to detainees in the occupied West Bank and has triggered sharp international backlash.

In a coordinated statement, the ministers accused Israeli authorities of deepening what they described as an apartheid system, warning that the move represents a serious escalation in policies targeting Palestinians. They said the law denies fundamental rights and threatens the very survival of Palestinians living under occupation.

The ministers described the legislation as a dangerous and discriminatory development, pointing out that it singles out Palestinian prisoners for capital punishment. They warned that such measures would further inflame tensions across the region and destabilise an already volatile situation.

Expressing grave concern over the condition of Palestinian detainees, the ministers highlighted reports of severe human rights abuses within Israeli prisons. These include allegations of torture, starvation, and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, alongside systematic violations of basic rights.

The joint statement also rejected Israeli policies that the ministers characterised as rooted in racial discrimination and oppression. They accused Israel of carrying out sustained attacks against Palestinians while imposing measures that intensify suffering and unrest.

Calling for urgent international intervention, the ministers urged the global community to act decisively to halt these policies and prevent further deterioration. They stressed that failure to address the situation risks pushing the region into deeper instability and prolonged conflict.