A coalition of activist groups condemned a newly passed Israeli law introducing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks, describing the measure as discriminatory and calling for its immediate repeal.
In a statement issued by Justice for Palestine, the organisations criticised the newly passed law by the Israeli Knesset on March 30, which has sparked intense criticism from human rights advocates and civil society groups.
The legislation mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted in Israeli military Courts of carrying out fatal attacks, introducing sweeping changes to sentencing and appeals procedures.
Under the law, judges may impose capital punishment by a simple majority decision, eliminating the requirement for unanimity.
Executions are to be fast-tracked, with implementation set within 90 days of a final ruling. The legislation also removes the possibility of clemency for those sentenced, the organisations said.
They said that critics have described the measure as discriminatory, arguing that it applies exclusively to Palestinians.
Some have drawn historical comparisons, including references to Nazi Germany, to underscore the severity of what they characterise as ethnically targeted legislation.
The statement said that the law has been strongly backed by Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has publicly advocated for harsher penalties and reportedly announced plans to establish a dedicated detention facility for those sentenced under the new framework.
The initiative unfolded under the broader leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it said.
Human rights groups argue that the legislation reflects a broader pattern of escalating policies toward Palestinians, and allege that detention conditions in Israeli facilities have deteriorated significantly, citing overcrowding, alleged abuse, and limited access to medical care, the statement said.
The organisations referenced reports that claim that since October 2023, more than 20,000 Palestinians have been detained, with over 100 deaths reported in custody during that period.
Concerns have also been raised about the continued use of administrative detention, a practice under which individuals are held without formal charges based on undisclosed evidence.
The organisations said that 3,500 Palestinian detainees, are being held on "secret evidence" for renewable periods without charge or trial and include at least 25 women and 180 children.
In response to the new law, dozens of Palestinian detainees have reportedly initiated an open-ended hunger strike, protesting both the legislation and broader prison conditions, the organisations said.
The development has also drawn criticism beyond Israel and Palestine, as advocacy groups in Malta have condemned what they describe as insufficient response from the Maltese government, and called for stronger action against alleged human rights violations.
"The Maltese government's silence and inaction in regard to Israel's escalating violations of human rights would indicate a grave lack of moral standards and a shameful disregard for human rights," the organisations said.
The coalition of organisations behind the statement include Justice for Palestine (Ġustizzja għall-Palestina), Moviment Graffitti, Grupp Newtralita u Paċi, Lebanese Advocates, Youth for Palestine, and Speak Up! Malta, who called for the immediate repeal of the law.