ISRAEL’S use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving Palestinian prisoners, is widely criticized as incompatible with international human rights norms.

While Israel maintains that capital punishment applies only in extreme circumstances—such as war crimes or terrorism—its application raises serious concerns about due process, proportionality, and the targeting of political detainees. International bodies like the UN and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly condemned such apartheid practices, viewing them as violations of the global trend toward abolition. The perception of a ‘curse’ reflects deep moral and legal opposition from the international community, which sees the death penalty as a relic of uncivilized justice, especially when applied in conflict zones—targeting the Palestinians.

Israel’s March, 2026 Death Penalty legislation passed by a narrow margin, imposes the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians accused of terrorism, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups. Critics argue the law enacts a discriminatory legal regime that disproportionately targets Palestinians, undermining principles of equality before the law. The legislation reflects broader concerns about systemic inequities in Israel’s judicial and military justice systems, particularly in occupied territories. Its implementation raises serious international legal and ethical questions regarding proportionality, due process and the potential for abuse.

The law mandates the death penalty for non-Israeli residents, primarily Palestinians– in the occupied West Bank– found guilty in military courts of intentional killing categorized as a “terrorist act”. This brutal and an apartheid law reduces........

© Pakistan Observer