WILPF’s Statement on the Knesset’s Death Penalty Law Targeting Palestinians

Yesterday’s passage of legislation by the Knesset to introduce the death penalty for Palestinians marks a grave escalation of state violence and a further entrenchment of an institutionalised regime of apartheid and genocide.

This measure must be understood not as an isolated development, but as part of a broader system of militarisation, control, and dehumanisation that renders Palestinian lives disposable.

The application of capital punishment in this context would amount to an arbitrary and discriminatory deprivation of life, in breach of international law. As an occupying power, Israel is bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention, and Palestinians remain protected persons under the Convention, wherever they are detained.

Where death sentences are imposed following proceedings that do not meet international fair trial guarantees, this would constitute a grave breach of the Convention and amount to wilful killing, engaging individual criminal responsibility.

This legislation must also be understood as part of an institutionalised regime of systematic racial domination and oppression, meeting the legal definition of apartheid.

We invite you to read our full statement to understand the legal implications of this legislation and join us in calling for accountability and urgent action by States to uphold international law.

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