Controversial Death Penalty Law Sparks Fear and Criticism in the West Bank

A new Israeli law making the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks has sparked fear and criticism in the West Bank. Critics argue it unfairly targets Palestinians and breaches international conventions. The Supreme Court is expected to strike it down as experts doubt its enforcement.

Palestinians in the West Bank expressed alarm over a new Israeli law that makes the death penalty the automatic sentence for Palestinians found guilty of severe attacks.

While the law theoretically applies to Israeli citizens too, its phrasing suggests it targets Palestinians by categorizing such attacks as those 'negating Israel's existence.'

The legislation, already condemned by the U.N., mandates hanging as the execution method, prompting legal experts to predict its annulment by Israel's Supreme Court due to potential breaches of international law.

(With inputs from agencies.)