House Commission I Strongly Condemns Israel's Approval of Death Penalty for Palestinian Citizens
Israel’s parliament has approved a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners proven to have killed Israeli citizens. Commission I of the House of Representatives has strongly condemned the policy, deeming it a violation of international law.
“I strongly condemn Israel’s parliament’s latest policy regarding the implementation of the death penalty specifically targeted at Palestinian citizens. This policy raises serious issues from the perspective of international law,” stated Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Anton Sukartono Suratto, to reporters on Wednesday (1/4/2026).
“In particular, regarding the principle of equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination based on ethnic or national identity. The implementation of the death penalty that is selective and targeted only at a specific group cannot be separated from indications of systemic discriminatory practices,” he added.
Anton stated that from a human rights perspective, the policy has the potential to violate the fundamental principles of non-discrimination and equality before the law. Every individual, he said, should be treated fairly without distinction based on their identity background.
“The application of punishment that specifically targets a certain group indicates unequal treatment before the law. Therefore, various condemnations from the international community, including institutions under the United Nations, deserve serious attention,” he said.
Furthermore, Anton mentioned that Indonesia understands that every country has jurisdiction in determining its national legal system, including regarding the death penalty. Nevertheless, what is of primary concern to us is not merely the existence of such punishment, but its discriminatory application.
“When punishment is imposed based on identity, not solely on the act, it wounds the principle of universal justice,” he stated.
Further, he noted that Indonesia, now as Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council, has a greater moral and political responsibility. Therefore, Indonesia needs to push for this issue to be discussed seriously in the UN Human Rights Council forum, including through special monitoring mechanisms, thematic reporting, or special sessions if necessary.
“In this context, Indonesia as a country that consistently supports the Palestinian people’s struggle has a moral and political responsibility to voice rejection of all forms of policies that strengthen injustice and oppression,” he stated.
“This policy not only has the potential to worsen the humanitarian situation in the conflict area but also hinders efforts towards a just and peaceful resolution,” he added.
Commission I of the House of Representatives, he said, urges the government to take a firm and measured stance in responding to the policy, both through bilateral and multilateral forums. This stance is important, he said, as part of Indonesia’s commitment to fulfilling the constitutional mandate that colonialism in the world must be abolished.
As is known, Israel’s parliament has approved a law approving the death penalty for Palestinian citizens proven to have killed Israeli citizens. The approval of the bill marks a major victory for Israel’s right wing, which has strongly pushed for this step.
Cited from Al Jazeera on Tuesday (31/3), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to the chamber to vote ‘yes’ directly. The law makes death by hanging the standard punishment for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank proven to have committed murder.
The law also gives Israeli courts the authority to impose the death penalty or life imprisonment on its own citizens. This punishment is not retroactive and will only apply to future cases.