Israel Faces Criticism Over Proposed Expansion of Death Penalty
Amnesty International has urged Israel to reject proposed legislation that would broaden the application of the death penalty, arguing that the measures would contravene international law and exacerbate what it describes as Israel's apartheid system against Palestinians. The human rights organization issued a statement on Tuesday, stating that two bills being debated in the Knesset would represent a significant departure from Israel's historical opposition to capital punishment and would disproportionately affect Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera.
The proposed legislation is being pushed by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Al Jazeera reported. Amnesty International contends that the bills would mark a "major reversal" of Israel's longstanding opposition to capital punishment.
The call from Amnesty International comes as other developments unfold in the region. A small number of sick and wounded Palestinians were permitted to cross into Egypt for medical treatment after Israel allowed a limited reopening of the Rafah border post, The Guardian reported. About 150 people were expected to leave the territory on Monday, and 50 to enter, according to Egyptian officials, marking the first such movement in more than 20 months since Israeli forces closed the crossing. However, by nightfall, Reuters reported that Israel had permitted only 12 Palestinians to re-enter, according to The Guardian.
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