UAE, seven other nations strongly condemn Israel's death penalty law

Foreign Ministers from the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have strongly condemned the Israeli parliament's enactment of a law that allows the imposition of the death penalty against Palestinians.

In a joint statement, the ministers warned the occupying powers against the practice as a decision that establishes an apartheid system and allows a rejectionist discourse.

They added that the law denies the inalienable rights and the very existence of the Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). 

They also highlighted how the legislation contributes to a dangerous escalation due to its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners, and stressed that these measures risk worse tensions and undermine regional stability. 

The ministers also expressed deep concern about the Palestinian prisoners' conditions in Israeli detention, warning of the increasing risks from reports on ongoing abuses, which include torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and the denial of basic rights.

The statement emphasised that these practices reflect a wider pattern of violations against Palestinians, with the ministers reaffirming their opposition to Israel’s racially discriminatory, oppressive, and aggressive policies targeting Palestinians.

The ministers urged the need to refrain from measures imposed by the occupying power that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground, and stressed the importance of ensuring accountability.

They also called for strengthened international efforts to uphold stability and prevent further deterioration.