Oct. 7 attackers could face death penalty after Israel approves war crimes tribunal
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Israel's parliament approved a bill establishing a special military tribunal to prosecute around 400 Hamas militants accused of war crimes related to the October 7, 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
- The tribunal, based in Jerusalem, will operate publicly with audio and video recordings, and key hearings will be broadcast online; it allows for the death penalty for convictions of genocide.
- The legislation passed unanimously with 93 votes in favor and includes provisions to deduct defendants' legal fees from funds transferred to the Palestinian Authority, despite the PA's non-involvement in the attack.
- Critics, including Israeli human rights group Adalah, condemned the tribunal as violating international law and judicial principles, warning that death sentences could constitute war crimes.
- Justice Minister Yariv Levin emphasized the law's role in ensuring justice and preserving the historical record of the massacre, defining the prosecuted acts as crimes against humanity and war crimes.