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  • 17 minutes ago
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00:00Israel has passed a new death penalty law, with critics warning it may disproportionately affect Palestinians.
00:06Here's why it's raising global concern.
00:08The law allows military courts to sentence people to death for killing Israelis in act of terror.
00:13All executions are to be carried out by hanging within 90 days of a final verdict, though delays are possible.
00:20It was approved by Israel's parliament with backing from Benjamin Netanyahu,
00:24marking a major victory for the far right,
00:27after Israel's national security minister pushed for its approval.
00:31Supporters say the law could deter attacks and prevent future violence,
00:35with Israeli officials describing it as a necessary security measure aimed at protecting civilians.
00:41But critics say the real issue is who it applies to.
00:45Warning, the death penalty will almost exclusively affect Palestinians,
00:49especially those tried in military courts in the occupied West Bank.
00:54The global reaction? Swift.
00:56European leaders called it a grave regression,
00:59while human rights groups say it raises serious concerns about discrimination and due process.
01:05Several Arab and Muslim-majority countries have also condemned it as a dangerous escalation.
01:11Inside Israel, legal rights groups have already challenged the law,
01:14arguing it is unconstitutional.
01:16Meanwhile, Israel's Itmar Ben-Gavir says preparations are already underway,
01:21including the construction of a dedicated death row and execution facility.
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