MP: Israeli Law on Death Penalty for Palestinian Prisoners Poses Real Threat of Genocide

Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives Sukamta has stated that the approval by Israel’s parliament (Knesset) of a law on the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners constitutes a real threat of genocide. Sukamta said that Israel’s policy is a serious escalation from the ongoing practices of human rights violations, while also reinforcing the repressive nature 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,” said Sukamta in his statement in Jakarta on Sunday (5/4/2026). He also highlighted the attitude of Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who openly celebrated the approval of the law and made provocative statements regarding plans to execute Palestinian prisoners. “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. Among those prisoners are also women and children. That situation, he said, is further exacerbated by reports from various international organisations regarding systematic torture practices in Israeli detention facilities. This includes physical and psychological violence, inhumane conditions, starvation, and denial of access to medical services. “The fact that dozens of Palestinian prisoners 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. Sukamta added that this death penalty policy has the potential to worsen the regional security situation and trigger broader conflict escalation. For that reason, he urged the Indonesian government to take firmer and more active diplomatic steps, both through bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. “Indonesia must be at the forefront in fighting for justice for the Palestinian people. We must not merely be spectators when crimes against humanity occur so blatantly,” he said.