On Monday, Israel passed a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, prompting a condemnation from Poland’s Foreign Ministry.
Israel Passes Death Penalty Law
On Monday, March 30th, Israel enacted legislation establishing the death penalty for Palestinians from the West Bank convicted of terrorism. The law has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and Palestinian leaders.
The law stipulates that the death penalty must be carried out by hanging within 90 days of a military court’s verdict, with no right to clemency, though it also allows for the possibility of life imprisonment instead.
Polish Foreign Ministry Statement
The Polish Foreign Ministry has called on Israel regarding the death penalty, stating, “We oppose the death penalty in all cases and circumstances. It is completely unacceptable in a state of law to apply the death penalty, which could be considered discriminatory towards people of a specific nationality.”
The Ministry’s statement, published on X, further urged Israel to maintain a moratorium on both executions and death sentences, citing “particular historical sensitivity.”
Regional Instability and Negotiations
The Ministry emphasized the “negative, tragic consequences of the latest wave of instability in the Middle East.” Poland consistently maintains that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, at the root of most security threats in the region, can only be resolved through good-faith negotiations and respect for international law.
EU Position and Historical Sensitivity
The Ministry noted Poland’s support for the position of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, who emphasized the EU’s “fundamental stance against the death penalty in all cases and circumstances.”
Moratorium and Regression
Borrell stated that Israel has long maintained a de facto moratorium on both executions and death sentences, setting a good example in the region despite the complex security situation. The approval of the law establishing the death penalty represents “a serious regression” from this practice and Israel’s own commitments.
Borrell added, “We are deeply concerned by the de facto discriminatory character of the law.”