Indonesian Parliament Calls Death Penalty for Palestinian Detainees a Real Threat of Genocide
Jakarta, VIVA – Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sukamta, stated that the approval by the Israeli parliament (Knesset) of a law on the death penalty for Palestinian detainees constitutes a real threat of genocide.
According to Sukamta, this policy represents a serious escalation of the ongoing practice of human rights violations, while also underscoring the repressive character of Israeli authorities towards the Palestinian people.
“The approval of this law is not merely a domestic legal policy, but a tangible form of legitimising state violence against a people in a state of occupation,” Sukamta said in his statement on Sunday, 5 April 2026.
Sukamta described it as a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights.
He also highlighted the stance of Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who openly celebrated the approval of the law and made provocative statements regarding plans to execute Palestinian detainees.
“Such statements indicate a systematic intent to carry out actions that lead to crimes against humanity. The international community must not remain silent in the face of this threat,” he said.
As of March 2026, according to him, there are approximately 9,446 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, with 4,691 of them held under administrative detention status, meaning they are imprisoned without charges, without a trial process, and without the opportunity to defend themselves. Among the detainees are also women and children.
This situation, he said, is further exacerbated by reports from various international organisations regarding systematic torture practices in Israeli detention facilities, including physical and psychological violence, inhumane conditions, starvation, and denial of access to medical services.
“The fact that dozens of Palestinian detainees have died in custody, including children, is clear evidence that this detention system not only violates international law but also directly threatens human lives,” he said.
He also reminded that the issue of Palestinian detainees is one of the root causes of the conflict that continues to fuel tensions in the region, including in the dynamics of the recent conflict following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
Sukamta added that this death penalty policy has the potential to worsen the regional security situation and trigger broader conflict escalation.
To that end, he urged the Indonesian Government to take more firm and active diplomatic steps, both through bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.