Jeddah: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned and rejected the proposed Israeli legislation to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, describing it as a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law and a grave assault on the fundamental principles of justice and human dignity.

According to Saudi Press Agency, IPHRC said that the controversial legislation institutionalizes a policy of collective punishment and seeks to legitimize the execution of Palestinian detainees held under prolonged occupation. It added that this move constitutes a clear breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the right to life, and international standards for fair trial guaranteed to all individuals without discrimination.

The commission warned that adopting such legislation would mark a dangerous escalation in Israel’s punitive policies, which already include arbitrary detention, torture, and the mistreatment of
Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, thereby deepening the unlawful occupation and undermining prospects for peace and justice.

It called on the international community, UN human rights mechanisms, and all High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to take urgent and decisive measures to dissuade Israel from adopting this inhumane and unlawful legislation and to ensure accountability for its systematic violations against the Palestinian people.

The commission reiterated its unwavering support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the rights to self-determination, freedom, and dignity, and urged all relevant parties to intensify legal and diplomatic efforts to uphold international law and protect the sanctity of human life.