Eight countries criticize Israels unilateral application of the death penalty

Eight Muslim-majority countries have issued a joint statement condemning certain practices by Israel. The statement, released on Thursday, was signed by Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The countries expressed strong opposition to a recent bill passed by Israel’s parliament, which would impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks. However, the law does not apply equally to Jewish Israelis convicted of similar crimes.

According to the statement, the countries are “deeply concerned” about the conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention, citing reports of ongoing abuses, including torture and denial of basic rights. The statement also notes that these practices reflect a broader pattern of violations against the Palestinian people.

The joint statement warns against measures by Israel that could further escalate tensions on the ground. The countries have previously criticized similar laws and policies, with some international organizations and entities also expressing concerns about the bill’s implications.

Israel has applied the death penalty twice since its founding and has occupied the West Bank since 1967. The country has faced criticism for its handling of violence in the region, particularly in Gaza, where clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians have increased since 2023.

The United States has expressed support for Israel’s right to determine its own laws, while some analysts argue that Israel’s parliament should not be legislating in the West Bank, which is not considered sovereign Israeli territory.

Source: Al Jazeera