RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has strongly denounced the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law that makes it easier to impose the death penalty on Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, calling the measure a grave violation of human rights and international law.

The legislation is unacceptable as it undermines justice and universal humanitarian values, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The law is a serious violation of human rights law and international humanitarian law,” the ministry stated in a written release on X, monitored from Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia stressed that the decision contravenes the Fourth Geneva Convention and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which guarantee the right to life and fair trial. The Indonesian government urged Israel to revoke the law and cease actions that run counter to international legal norms.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also demanded that Israel ensure the protection of Palestinians’ fundamental rights, including those of detainees, and called on the international community to take firm steps to safeguard the Palestinian people.

“Indonesia calls on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take decisive measures to ensure accountability and protection for the Palestinian people,” the statement added.

Indonesia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle for independence and sovereignty, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The law passed by Israel’s legislature on Monday mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis with intent to harm the state. However, it does not apply to Israeli citizens who kill Palestinians. Under the new provisions, courts may impose capital punishment even without a prosecutor’s request, and unanimity among judges is not required.

Human rights groups report that more than 9,300 Palestinians -- including 350 children and 66 women -- are currently imprisoned in Israel. Many of them face torture, starvation, and medical neglect, conditions that have already led to dozens of deaths.

Indonesia’s condemnation underscores its position that the new law not only violates international legal standards but also exacerbates the suffering of Palestinians under occupation. ***