Palestinians in West Bank strike after Israel passes death penalty law
Palestinians in Hebron particpate in a general strike after passing of bill allowing the execution of prisoners, 1 April 2026
Sari Jaradat and Mera Aladam report in Middle East Eye on 1 April 2026:
Palestinians across the occupied West Bank observed a general strike on Wednesday in protest against a new Israeli law allowing the execution of prisoners, as international condemnation mounted.
Fatah, the movement led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, called for the strike, describing the legislation as a “dangerous escalation” against Palestinians. “This criminal law will not break the will of our people or the determination of our prisoners, but will instead strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle for their freedom and legitimate rights,” it said in a statement.
The Knesset approved the bill in its final readings on Monday by 62 votes to 48, despite international calls to abandon it.
The legislation has drawn widespread criticism for violating the right to life and for its potentially discriminatory application.
The father of former prisoner Jaafar Awad, who died in custody, and whose other son Wared remains detained, said mobilisation was the only response to the decision. “Sitting at home will not plant any seeds of success,” he said. He argued the move was politically driven, saying: “In all Israeli elections, campaigns have always traded on Palestinian blood.” “This decision did not come out of nowhere,” he added, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using it to secure parliamentary support and public backing.
Under the law, anyone who “intentionally causes the death of another person with the intent to harm an Israeli citizen or resident, or to threaten the existence of the State of Israel” could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The wording effectively targets Palestinians, while Jewish Israelis who kill Palestinians would face, at most, a prison sentence.