The Palestinian Presidency issued a scathing condemnation on Monday, 30 March 2026, following the Israeli Knesset's approval of a law permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners.
The Presidency described the legislation as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, it warned that the move marks a dangerous escalation in regional tensions and a direct assault on fundamental human rights.
A breach of international treaties
In an official statement, the Presidency argued that the new law explicitly violates several established international legal frameworks. The statement specifically cited the Fourth Geneva Convention, which provides protections for individuals in occupied territories and guarantees the right to a fair trial, as well as International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the inherent right to life.
The Presidency further asserted that this legislation amounts to a war crime and must be viewed within the broader context of ongoing measures against Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Call for global accountability
The Presidency welcomed recent statements from several European nations urging Israel to abandon the legislation. However, it called for more decisive action from the global community, including the imposition of sanctions to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing policies.
Furthermore, the statement called for international bodies to assume their legal responsibilities regarding reports of torture, solitary confinement, and systematic killings within the prison system.
Commitment to sovereignty
Despite the legislative shift, the Palestinian leadership remains firm in its pursuit of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement emphasised that such laws would not break the will or undermine the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and independence.
The Presidency concluded by reaffirming that the welfare and protection of Palestinian prisoners remain at the top of its priorities, vowing to continue working at all international levels to secure their release and hold those responsible for crimes against them accountable.