Israel approves death-penalty default for Palestinians in lethal attacks, drawing global backlash

Israel’s Knesset passed a law making the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks by military courts in the occupied West Bank, with executions to be carried out by hanging within 90 days of sentencing and limited avenues for appeal; the measure, backed by hard-right parties, drew sharp condemnation from UN experts, the EU and several Western governments over concerns it breaches international law and discriminates against Palestinians, though supporters say it strengthens deterrence and national security. The law can still be reviewed by Israel’s Supreme Court.