Rights group warns “Israel” is preparing execution wing for Palestinian prisoners

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, Aug. 20 (YPA) –The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society (PPS) has warned of the danger posed by Israeli occupation authorities beginning preparations for a dedicated wing for Palestinian prisoners sentenced to death, including a chamber for carrying out executions, calling for urgent international action to halt the measures.

Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the PPS, said the move comes as the Israeli occupation turns legislation and incitement into concrete measures targeting Palestinian prisoners. He described preparations to carry out death sentences against them as a “crime against humanity.”

Al-Zaghari said the Israeli Knesset passed a law in March allowing the death penalty to be imposed on Palestinian prisoners. Under the law, Palestinians convicted of murder before military courts would face a mandatory death sentence unless the court determines that exceptional circumstances justify reducing the sentence to life imprisonment.

“Israel” 24 reported Tuesday, citing the office of far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, that preparations had begun for the first dedicated wing for Palestinian prisoners sentenced to death, including a special execution chamber.

Al-Zaghari said the measures were also part of Israel’s use of Palestinian prisoners as a “political bargaining chip,” pointing to killings and abuse against detainees.

Data cited by Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations show that more than 9,400 Palestinian prisoners are being held in Israeli prisons, including 92 women and more than 370 children, amid reported torture, starvation and medical neglect, according to Al-Zaghari.

Al-Zaghari also held the international community responsible for the continuation of such practices, citing the “international silence” that had allowed Israel to continue its repressive measures.

@E.Y.M