Ankara slams Israeli death penalty law targeting Palestinians as ‘unlawful’

Türkiye on Tuesday strongly condemned a law passed by the Israeli Knesset that imposes the death penalty exclusively on Palestinian prisoners. In a statement published on its official website, the Turkish Foreign Ministry described the legislation as a measure designed to entrench Israel’s “apartheid regime” against Palestinians, calling it a continuation of “policies of denial, annihilation, and political executions.”

Ankara urges international response

The ministry declared the law “unlawful and null and void,” and called on the international community, including the United Nations, to take action against what it termed Israel’s “racist and unlawful steps.” The statement reflected Ankara’s firm stance against the legislation, which it views as a grave violation of international legal standards.

Knesset vote clears path for implementation

The bill secured approval in its second and third readings with 62 votes in favor, 47 against, and one abstention, according to Israeli media reports. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in support of the measure, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed its passage, calling it “a historic day.” The law now sets the stage for capital punishment to be applied to Palestinian detainees held by Israeli authorities.