Several European nations have expressed “deep concern” over Israeli plans to extend the application of the death penalty, saying the bill could disproportionately target Palestinians.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, the countries warned that the proposed legislation carries a “de facto discriminatory character”.
The statement read, “We are particularly worried about the de facto discriminatory character of the bill. The adoption of this bill would risk undermining Israel’s commitments with regard to democratic principles.”
The far-right Israeli government is scheduled to put the bill to a second and third reading in the Knesset on Monday.
It is expected to face a legal challenge and eventually go before the Supreme Court.
The legislation is being considered amid continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza and a surge in military and settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday, “These amendments mean that the most extreme and irrevocable punishment is being reserved for, and weaponised against, Palestinians.”
More than a dozen United Nations rights experts also warned that the legislation would remove “judicial and prosecutorial discretion” and prevent courts from considering individual circumstances, including mitigating factors, when imposing a proportionate sentence.
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