Pakistan, 7 other Islamic countries condemn Israel’s death penalty law for Palestinians

Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign ministers from eight Muslim and Arab countries have jointly denounced a new law passed by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, which authorizes the death penalty in the occupied West Bank and is widely viewed as being effectively applied against Palestinians.

In a joint statement, the top diplomats of Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed serious concern over what they described as intensifying discriminatory actions by Israeli authorities.

They warned that such policies are deepening a system akin to apartheid while promoting narratives that dismiss the basic rights and even the existence of Palestinians in the occupied territories.

The ministers noted that the legislation marks a troubling escalation, particularly because of its apparent selective use against Palestinian prisoners. They cautioned that such a step could further inflame an already fragile situation and negatively impact stability across the region.

They also voiced grave concern about the conditions faced by Palestinians in Israeli detention facilities, pointing to credible reports of ongoing abuses, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and the denial of basic rights which they said reflect a broader pattern of violations.

Reaffirming their collective position, the ministers rejected what they described as discriminatory, repressive, and aggressive policies targeting Palestinians.

The foreign ministers also stressed the need to avoid further actions by the occupying authority that could escalate tensions and called on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, maintaining stability, and preventing further deterioration of the situation.