Bill allowing death penalty for Palestinian prisoners advances to Israeli parliament

An Israeli panel approved a bill introducing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners on Monday, paving the way for its first reading in parliament.

The proposal, tabled by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's far-right Jewish Power party, would allow Israeli courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis on "nationalistic grounds".

The legislation does not apply to Israelis who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances.

The bill has been promoted by far-right Israeli parties since before the genocide on Gaza began in October 2023, with renewed calls for its passage in recent months.

Israeli security officials had previously opposed the measure, warning that it could endanger Israeli captives held by Palestinian factions in Gaza.

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