Protests in Palestinian territories after Israel passes death penalty bill

Key Points:

• Hundreds of Palestinians protested across the occupied West Bank following Israel's parliament passing a law establishing the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, with Fatah calling a general strike in northern West Bank.
• The new legislation mandates West Bank military courts to impose the death penalty by default in such cases, sparking fears among Palestinians about harsh treatment of prisoners seen as symbols of national resistance.
• Palestinian officials condemned the law as a violation of international law and called for international sanctions against Israel, while Amnesty International warned it could breach human rights protections against cruel and inhuman punishment.
• The law, championed by far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, is set to take effect in 30 days but may face delays due to pending Supreme Court challenges by Israeli rights groups and opposition lawmakers.
• The death penalty option also extends to Israeli courts but is effectively limited to Palestinian citizens, excluding Jewish Israelis, further highlighting concerns over discriminatory enforcement.