Spain says Israel’s death penalty law for Palestinians is ‘step toward apartheid’

Spain’s government delivered a sharp rebuke to Israel on Tuesday over a newly passed law that mandates the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners held in the occupied West Bank. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took to the social media platform X to voice his government’s opposition, describing the legislation as fundamentally discriminatory.

‘Same Crime, Different Punishment’

Sanchez emphasized that the measure is “asymmetrical,” pointing out that it would not be enforced against Israelis convicted of identical crimes. “Same crime, different punishment. That is not justice,” he said, warning that the move constitutes “another step toward apartheid.” He further called for the world to respond, stating: “The world cannot remain silent.”

Worsening Conditions in Detention

The legislation, approved by Israel’s Knesset, sets capital punishment as the default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty of lethal attacks against Israelis. Human rights organizations and the Israeli Prison Service report that more than 9,300 Palestinians—including 350 children and 66 women—are currently held in Israeli custody. Detainees have faced documented abuses including torture, starvation, and medical neglect, which have resulted in dozens of deaths.

Broader Context of the Conflict

Spain’s condemnation comes as Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue to take a devastating toll. According to local authorities, more than 72,000 people have been killed and 172,000 injured since October 2023. Against this backdrop, Türkiye has consistently voiced strong opposition to policies that target Palestinian rights and has called for international accountability regarding the treatment of detainees.