The foreign ministers of Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday strongly condemned a new Israeli law, allowing the imposition of the death penalty against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move risks escalating tensions and undermining regional stability.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined Pakistan in condemning legislation passed by the Israeli parliament that allows the death penalty to be imposed in the occupied territory and its effective application against Palestinians, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release said.
The ministers described the legislation as a dangerous escalation, particularly due to what they termed its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners, warning that such measures could further inflame tensions on the ground and destabilize the region.
They also cautioned against what they called increasingly discriminatory Israeli practices that entrench a system of apartheid and promote narratives denying the inalienable rights and existence of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Expressing deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian detainees held by Israel, the ministers cited credible reports of alleged abuses, including torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, starvation, and denial of basic rights. They said such practices reflected a broader pattern of violations against Palestinians.
Reaffirming their opposition to what they described as racially discriminatory and aggressive policies targeting Palestinians, the ministers urged the international community to strengthen efforts to ensure accountability and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The joint statement also stressed the urgent need for restraint by the occupying power and called for measures to uphold stability and avoid further escalation in the region.