March 31, 2026

Press Release

Al-Dameer: The Legislation of the So-Called “Execution of Palestinian Prisoners” Law Constitutes a Dangerous Escalation and Legalizes the Killing of Detainees

Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights – Gaza is following with grave concern the enactment of a law providing for the imposition of the death penalty against Palestinian prisoners and detainees under exceptional procedures. This step represents a serious escalation and a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

This legislation comes within a broader context of escalating punitive policies targeting Palestinians as a whole. It cannot be viewed in isolation from the ongoing violations against prisoners and detainees; rather, it constitutes an extension of an existing pattern of systematic oppression, intensification of punitive measures, and the entrenchment of discriminatory and racist treatment against Palestinian detainees.

Al-Dameer affirms that the danger of this law lies not only in the penalty itself, but also in the legal and racial discrimination it entrenches, as it is effectively applied exclusively to Palestinians. This stands in clear contradiction to the most fundamental principles of justice and equality before the law.

Al-Dameer further stresses that this legislation constitutes a clear violation of the right to life, a fundamental right guaranteed under international human rights law. As an occupying power, Israel is bound to respect the rules of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, in addition to its obligations under international human rights law, which impose strict limitations on the use of the death penalty and require the guarantee of fair trials that fully ensure the rights of defense.

Al-Dameer condemns and rejects this legislation, considers it null and void from a human rights perspective, and holds the occupying authorities fully responsible for the consequences of its implementation, whether on the conditions of prisoners and detainees or on the overall human rights situation in the Palestinian territory.

Accordingly, Al-Dameer will pursue all available legal avenues and intensify its efforts at the international level to ensure the protection of prisoners and detainees and to preserve what remains of justice standards. It calls for urgent action by the United Nations and its special mechanisms to exert pressure to halt the implementation of this law, and underscores the importance of unified human rights efforts to confront it.

Al-Dameer Association for Human Rights