EU criticizes Israel over controversial death penalty law

The European Union has strongly criticized Israel following its approval of a controversial law that allows the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, while not applying the same punishment to Israelis accused of similar crimes.

EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni described the legislation as “very concerning,” calling it both discriminatory and a significant step backward. He emphasized that the EU opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and raised concerns about the unequal application of justice under the new measure.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also condemned the move, arguing that applying different punishments for the same crime undermines the principle of justice. He warned that such policies risk deepening divisions and compared the measure to systems of institutional discrimination.

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Germany echoed similar concerns, with government spokesman Stefan Kornelius stating that Berlin could not support the law. He reiterated Germany’s longstanding opposition to capital punishment and warned that the legislation would likely disproportionately affect Palestinians in occupied territories.

The law has also faced legal challenges within Israel. Human rights organizations, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, have petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to overturn it, arguing that it violates constitutional principles prohibiting arbitrary discrimination.

Palestinian representatives have strongly denounced the measure. Abdullah al-Zaghari called the law discriminatory, asserting that it targets Palestinians while excluding Israelis accused of violence.

In contrast, the United States has backed Israel’s right to legislate independently. Officials stated that they trust Israel to implement the law while respecting fair trial standards.

The development has intensified international debate over justice, human rights, and equality under the law in the region.