UN committee criticizes Israeli law on death penalty for Palestinians

In March, the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of fatal terrorist attacks by military courts. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination stated on Friday that the legislation facilitates racial discrimination. The committee noted that the law effectively terminates Israel's de facto moratorium on executions, which has been in place since 1962. It also established a 90-day deadline for executions following a final court ruling. The UN body argued the law is applied exclusively to Palestinians and urged Israel to repeal it immediately. Additionally, the committee called for the protection of human rights, equal treatment before the law, and the cessation of policies deemed discriminatory. The committee further recommended that Israel ensure all prisoners have access to justice and safety from physical harm.