'Dangerous crime': Hamas condemns Israel's push to execute Palestinian prisoners

Hamas has condemned Israel's move to fast-track legislation that would allow for the execution of Palestinian prisoners, warning that the measure marks a dangerous escalation and a blatant breach of international and humanitarian law.

In a statement posted on its Telegram channel on Monday, Hamas said Israel's decision to accelerate the bill and begin preparing mechanisms for its implementation exposes "the true face" of the Israeli state, which was "founded on bloodshed, organised crime and collective punishment".

The group said the legislation represents an unprecedented escalation in Israel’s treatment of Palestinian detainees, as part of a policy of "slow killing" carried out through systematic abuse, torture and degrading conditions inside Israeli prisons.

According to the statement, Palestinian prisoners are subjected daily to beatings, deliberate medical neglect and starvation, practices Hamas said amount to an extension of Israel's wider war against the Palestinian people.

Hamas called on the United Nations, international human rights and humanitarian bodies, and governments worldwide to take immediate action to protect detainees and prevent a "dangerous crime".

It said the prisoners' issue would remain a central Palestinian priority, warning that Palestinians would not remain silent in the face of grave abuses and pledging to pursue accountability for those involved.

The statement comes amid Israeli media reports that concrete steps are being taken to implement the proposed law, which has already passed its first reading in the Knesset.

Israel's Channel 13 reported that the prison service had begun logistical and administrative preparations, including plans to establish a dedicated execution facility within the prison system.

According to the report, the site would be known as the "Israeli Green Mile", with executions carried out by hanging using a mechanism activated simultaneously by three prison guards.

The broadcaster said executions would take place within 90 days of a final judicial ruling, and that selected prison staff were being trained in execution procedures, with Israeli authorities reportedly drawing on the experiences of other countries.

Israeli sources told the channel that the law would initially be applied to prisoners from "elite Hamas units" accused of involvement in the 7 October 2023 attack, before being expanded to include Palestinians convicted of attacks in the occupied West Bank.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club said the reported preparations signal the start of a "highly dangerous phase", describing the move as the culmination of a long-running campaign targeting Palestinian prisoners.

Earlier this month, 12 UN experts urged Israel to withdraw the draft legislation, warning that the use of the death penalty under Israeli military law in the occupied territories violates international law.

The bill has been championed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has repeatedly called for the execution of Palestinian prisoners, stating that the method was irrelevant, whether by hanging, firing squad or electric chair.