Israel's Ben Gvir hands out sweets after death penalty bill for Palestinians advances

Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir handed out sweets in parliament on Monday after a bill allowing death penalty for Palestinian prisoners passed its first reading. 

The bill was approved by a majority of 39 out of 120 Knesset members, with 16 voting against in Israel's parliament.

It would allow judges to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis on so-called “nationalistic” grounds.

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

The bill now requires two more readings in the Knesset before it can become an official law.  

Hamas called the legislation "fascist and sadistic" and called for global action against Israel, including "deterrent sanctions."

The Islamic Jihad said the bill's passing was "a dangerous criminal escalation".

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