Eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement on Thursday strongly condemning Israel’s recent legislation establishing death by hanging as the default sentence for Palestinian Arabs convicted in military courts of deadly terror attacks.
According to the statement released by Pakistan, the measure marks a serious escalation and raises concerns over increasing tensions in the region.
The law, approved by the Knesset earlier this week, applies to individuals convicted of murder carried out with the intent of undermining Israel’s existence. Critics argue that the legislation creates a disparity in its application, affecting Palestinians while not applying equally to Jewish Israelis convicted of similar offenses.
Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas denounced the law, describing it as a violation of international law and an attempt to pressure the Palestinian Arab population.
The joint statement, issued by Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, warned that the move could further inflame the situation and called for restraint to avoid additional escalation.
The countries emphasized the importance of accountability and urged increased international efforts aimed at maintaining stability and preventing further deterioration.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government also criticized the legislation, characterizing it as a continuation of oppressive policies and calling on the international community to take action.
The measure has also drawn criticism from several Western countries. The European Union, Germany, and Canada expressed concern over the development, which comes amid heightened scrutiny over violence in Judea and Samaria.
Supporters of the law maintain that imposing the death penalty could deter future attacks against Israelis, including attempts to carry out kidnappings for prisoner exchange purposes.
Speaking with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News this week, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the legislation as a historic step. He dismissed threats from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, saying he is not deterred and that the law must be enforced. “Let every terrorist know that if he goes out to kill, he could end up on the gallows," he said.
Rejecting claims that capital punishment could incentivize attackers seeking martyrdom, Ben-Gvir argued that only a small minority are indifferent to death, while most seek to live. He described the law as the most significant deterrent measure to date and expressed his intention to see it implemented in practice. "The idea that terrorists want to fie is a myth. Ninety percent of them want to survive."
Responding to concerns about international repercussions, including potential legal challenges in The Hague, Ben-Gvir downplayed the risks, noting that capital punishment exists in countries such as the United States. He specifically disparaged the Israeli Supreme Court, which is expected to strike down the law: "Since when must a minister dance to the tune of the Supreme Court?"
He also criticized opponents within the national-religious camp and legal circles, dismissing arguments that the law may not withstand judicial review or apply universally. “If before there were no executions and now there will be many, that is a significant change," he said.
The minister revealed that initial steps toward implementation are already underway, including coordination with the Israel Prison Service to prepare facilities and review cases. “This will take time, but the process has begun," he said, adding that the move is already having a psychological impact. "It won't happen tomorrow - but it will happen."