Malta joins global condemnation of Israel’s 'discriminatory' death penalty law
Minister Ian Borg says Malta is 'deeply concerned'
Ian Borg expressed “deep concern” over the Israeli Parliament’s approval of the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, as Malta joins an international wave of criticism against the move.
The legislation, passed by the Knesset on Monday, introduces a system where Palestinians in the occupied West Bank can be sentenced to death by hanging.
Writing on X, Foreign Minister Borg said Malta remained “strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances”, adding that justice for even the most “heinous acts of terror” must respect human dignity and rights.
The law, pushed by the far-right parties, passed with 62 votes in favour and 48 against. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in favour.
It specifically targets those who participate in acts deemed as terrorism and who cause death with the intent of negating the existence of the State of Israel.
The law provides for hanging, and executions must be carried out within 90 days of a final verdict. In exceptional cases, the sentence may be reduced to life imprisonment.
Palestinians in the West Bank are automatically tried in Israeli military courts.
International outcry
The European Union has described the law as a step backwards, calling it "discriminatory" against Palestinians.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was sharper in his rebuke, labelling the measure as "another step toward apartheid".
Similar condemnations were issued by Germany, France, and the UK, who warned that the legislation undermines Israel's democratic standing.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that the application of the law to residents of an occupied territory could constitute a war crime.
Within Israel, the law is also already being challenged. Human rights groups and several members of parliament have filed petitions with the Supreme Court, arguing the law is unconstitutional and violates the basic law of human dignity and liberty.
Advocates for the bill, however, have defended it as a necessary deterrent against terrorism.