Palestinians staged protests in Ramallah on Wednesday following the passage of a controversial death penalty law by the Israeli Parliament (Knesset).

The legislation, approved earlier in the week, introduces the death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis, marking a significant shift in Israel’s penal policy. Demonstrators marched through the streets carrying Palestinian flags and banners, condemning the move as unjust and discriminatory.

Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestine National Initiative, described the law as evidence of deepening extremism, stating during the protest that it reflects “how far things have gone.

”Under the new law, military courts in the West Bank—which primarily try Palestinians—are required to impose the death penalty as the default sentence for such convictions, except under exceptional circumstances. The law is expected to take effect within 30 days, although legal challenges at Israel’s highest court could delay its implementation. It will not apply retroactively to current prisoners.

Palestinian authorities have strongly condemned the measure, arguing that it violates international law and calling on the global community to intervene.

The legislation also extends to civilian courts in Israel, allowing for the death penalty in cases of what is termed “nationalistic murder.” However, legal analysts suggest that in practice, the law is likely to disproportionately affect Palestinians, including Palestinian citizens of Israel, rather than Jewish citizens.

The development comes amid long-standing tensions over territories captured by Israel during the Six-Day War, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza—areas Palestinians seek for a future independent state.

The law has further intensified political and humanitarian concerns in the region, with critics warning it could escalate already fragile tensions.