Faith groups denounce Israel’s death penalty law and urge protection of Palestinians

Countries: Israel, occupied Palestinian territory Source: Caritas Caritas Internationalis joined more than 100 Catholic leaders and organisations to urge immediate action to uphold human dignity, international law, and the rights of Palestinians under occupation. On 30 March 2026, the Israeli Knesset passed the Death Penalty Bill, expanding the use of capital punishment for Palestinians tried in military courts. Catholic organisations worldwide have endorsed a call, launched by Pax Christi International , expressing grave moral concern and urging immediate measures to protect Palestinian lives and ensure access to justice. “This legislation cannot be viewed in isolation,” the statement reads. “It must be understood within the context of the ongoing occupation and the denial of the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination.” The law introduces the death penalty in military courts, limits judicial discretion, restricts access to legal counsel, and accelerates executions. Israeli citizens are excluded from these provisions, highlighting discrimination. If intent is proven, targeting Palestinians specifically could constitute part of a pattern of genocidal conduct in violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Currently, according to the non-governmental organisation B’Tselem, as of March 2026, approximately 9,446 Palestinians are detained in Israeli prisons, many without trial. The legislation intensifies the risks faced by these individuals and deepens fears of miscarriages of justice. From the perspective of Catholic social teaching, the statement notes, “The use of the death penalty is inadmissible. It violates the dignity of the human person and undermines the moral responsibility of societies to protect life, even in cases of grave wrongdoing.” Catholic leaders and organisations call on: Israeli authorities: refrain from implementing the law and guarantee due process for all. States with relations to Israel: review cooperation and make future agreements conditional on respect for human rights and international law. European Union institutions: suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement until Israel ensures full respect for Palestinian life and legal protections. International partners and diplomatic actors: prevent executions, protect independent legal representation, and support accountability mechanisms. Catholic community: stand in solidarity with Palestinians and bear witness against the expansion of the death penalty. Full list of signatories as well as translation of the call in French, Spanish and Italian at the following link . The post Faith groups denounce Israel’s death penalty law and urge protection of Palestinians appeared first on Caritas .
2026-05-06 12:03:08