Jerusalem: Israel's Knesset voted on Monday evening to pass a law that allows the execution of Palestinian prisoners, a decision that has sparked outrage from human rights organizations. A contentious bill introduced by the far-right Jewish Power party, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, was approved in its second and third readings in the Knesset with a 62-48 vote.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast his vote in favor of the bill, which had already passed its first reading in November. The law enables Israeli courts to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of carrying out deadly attacks. Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to deter and combat what they describe as 'terrorism.'

However, critics argue that the bill would, in practice, apply almost exclusively to Palestinian prisoners, raising concerns about discriminatory enforcement. Before its passage, Israeli opposition lawmakers and rights groups warned that the bill introduces a legal framework that could institutionalize unequal treatment.

Ofer Cassif, a Knesset member from the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, labeled the proposal as 'legislation for genocide,' asserting that it specifically targets Palestinians. Cassif stated during a parliamentary debate, "The death penalty, beyond being state-sanctioned killing, corrupts society and entrenches extremism."

Sameer Bin Said of the Hadash-Ta'al alliance also expressed opposition to the bill, cautioning that capital punishment is irreversible and carries risks of judicial error. He further commented that the law "raises serious concerns regarding its discriminatory nature and does not provide a real solution, but may instead contribute to further complicating the existing situation." Bin Said indicated that Arab lawmakers and opposition members who oppose the law plan to challenge it in the Supreme Court to safeguard fundamental values and protect human rights.

The debate over the law comes amid heightened tensions and scrutiny regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinian detainees. Palestinian figures indicate that more than 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including women and minors. Numerous deaths have been reported among Palestinians in Israeli custody due to torture, starvation, and medical neglect, according to human rights groups.