Knesset passes “prisoner execution” law; Hamas slams it as “systematic terrorism”
OCCUPIED PALESTINE, March 31 (YPA) – The Israeli Knesset has passed a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, a move described by human rights organizations as a grave violation of international humanitarian law and the obligations of the occupying power.
In response to the decision, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) condemned the legislation. The movement’s spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, stated on Tuesday that the law reflects an unprecedented level of criminality and embodies a blatant disregard for all human rights and international conventions.
Qassem argued that the law seeks to provide a legal cover for an “already existing crime” that has previously resulted in the death of hundreds of prisoners due to torture and medical negligence.
He pointed out that the legislation represents a transparent attempt to transform the ongoing policy of killings and violations inside prisons into an overt legal tool aimed at liquidating the issue of Palestinian prisoners.
Qassem emphasized that these policies, combined with ongoing field executions in streets and civilian facilities, reflect a systematic terrorism approach amid continuous international silence.
This legislative development comes amid escalating measures against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation jails. According to the latest data, their numbers are estimated at:
- Over 9,500 Palestinian prisoners in total.
- 3,442 administrative detainees (held without charge or trial).
- 1,249 prisoners classified as “unlawful combatants” (all from the Gaza Strip).
YPA