Islamabad, April 2, 2026: Foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries have strongly condemned a new Israeli law permitting the imposition of the death penalty in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move could further inflame tensions and destabilize the region.
In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the top diplomats from Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates denounced legislation passed by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, which allows capital punishment and its reported application against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The ministers described the move as a “dangerous escalation,” particularly criticizing its alleged discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners. They warned that such measures risk worsening the already fragile security situation and undermining regional stability.
Expressing alarm over what they termed increasingly discriminatory Israeli practices, the statement accused Israel of entrenching a system of apartheid and promoting a narrative that denies the fundamental rights and existence of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The joint statement also highlighted concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. The ministers cited credible reports of abuse, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and denial of basic rights, calling these part of a broader pattern of violations.
Reaffirming their opposition to what they described as racially discriminatory and aggressive policies, the ministers urged Israel to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions on the ground.
They also stressed the need for accountability and called on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at maintaining stability and preventing further deterioration of the situation.
