Iraq condemns Israeli law on execution of Palestinian prisoners

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned Israel’s parliament for approving a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, calling it a violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions.

In a statement, the ministry said it “expresses its strongest condemnation of the so-called Israeli ‘Knesset’ approval of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners in occupation prisons, as it constitutes a grave breach of international law, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and a dangerous escalation.”

It added that Iraq “affirms its categorical rejection of this arbitrary measure.”

The ministry also condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon, including ground incursions, describing them as “a blatant violation of the rules of international law and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region.”

It warned that “the ongoing military operations carried out by occupation forces expose United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to serious risks,” citing escalating hostilities in their areas of deployment and the dangers posed by field developments.

The ministry renewed its call to the international community to “adhere to the provisions of international law, ensure the protection of civilians and members of international missions, and work to stop escalation in a way that contributes to maintaining regional security and peace.”

Israel’s parliament approved the law on March 30, introducing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of carrying out deadly attacks classified as terrorism, particularly in military courts in the occupied West Bank. The legislation mandates execution within a set timeframe and restricts avenues for appeal or clemency.

The measure has drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups, who say it violates international legal standards and risks further escalation in the region.