RAMALLAH/PNN/ 

Palestinian prisoners’ rights organizations issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday calling for international intervention to halt an Israeli draft law that would allow the death penalty for Palestinian detainees.

The groups said a Knesset committee approved the proposed “execution of prisoners” bill in its final reading late Monday, paving the way for a vote in the full parliament next week.

In a joint statement, the organizations said they had contacted international human rights bodies, including the United Nations, as well as diplomats and foreign missions, to warn of what they described as escalating risks linked to the proposed legislation and conditions inside Israeli prisons.

They alleged that detention facilities have become sites of systematic abuse, accusing Israeli authorities of carrying out torture and other violations against Palestinian prisoners. Israel has previously rejected similar allegations, saying it operates under the rule of law and investigates claims of abuse.

The groups called for the use of universal jurisdiction to pursue legal action against individuals allegedly responsible for torture, war crimes and crimes against humanity. They also urged governments to suspend diplomatic, military and economic ties with Israel until it complies with international law.

In addition, they called for international isolation of Israeli legislative and judicial institutions, and demanded the immediate release of Palestinian detainees, an end to administrative detention and the dismantling of the military court system.

The organizations further urged independent investigations into alleged abuses and deaths in custody, and called for full cooperation with the International Criminal Court.

They also appealed for the International Committee of the Red Cross to be granted unrestricted access to detainees and to monitor prison conditions.