Muslim countries criticize Israel death penalty law

Eight Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement on April 3, 2026, condemning Israel’s passage of a law allowing the death penalty for West Bank Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks. The statement was issued by foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

The ministers described the legislation as discriminatory toward Palestinian prisoners and said it could increase regional tensions. They warned that the law risks undermining stability and could entrench what they termed a system of apartheid in the occupied territories.

The statement emphasized concerns over escalating practices against Palestinians and asserted that such measures reject the rights and existence of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza.

Observers noted that such language, particularly the reference to apartheid, is unusual for the United Arab Emirates, which has maintained closer ties with Israel compared to the other countries in the statement. The declaration reflects growing international criticism of Israel’s legal and security policies in the occupied territories.