Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized the Israeli parliament’s approval of a law allowing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted by military courts for deadly attacks, calling it a “step towards apartheid. ” He noted that this measure would apply differently based on ethnic backgrounds, as it wouldn’t affect Israelis committing the same crimes. Sanchez emphasized the global responsibility to speak out against such measures.
Spain is currently facing a diplomatic conflict with Israel, heightened after Madrid’s strong condemnation of the Israeli government’s actions during the 2023-25 Gaza war, which Spain termed genocide. Israeli officials have characterized Spain’s criticisms as antisemitic. Relations deteriorated further after Spain opposed U. S.-Israel attacks on Iran, resulting in the withdrawal of Spain’s ambassador to Israel on March 11.
The new Israeli law makes death by hanging a standard punishment for certain Palestinian offenses, fulfilling a promise from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. Critics argue that the law primarily targets Israel’s Arab minority, many of whom identify as Palestinians, while exempting Jewish citizens. The European Commission expressed concern, stating the law represents a regression in Israel’s commitment to democratic values. Israel had abolished the general death penalty in 1954, with Adolf Eichmann being the only person executed after a civilian trial in 1962.
With information from Reuters
