Jerusalem: Israel has passed new legislation allowing the death penalty and public trials for individuals accused of involvement in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
The law was approved by the Knesset with overwhelming support, receiving 93 votes in favour and none against. The legislation was jointly backed by members of both the government and opposition.
Israeli lawmakers said the new legal framework is intended to prosecute individuals accused of direct participation in the attacks, including killings, hostage-taking and other violent acts carried out during the assault.
The October 2023 attack by Hamas was the deadliest day in Israel’s history, with more than 1,200 people killed and hundreds taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Under the law, suspects linked to the attacks could face charges including terrorism, murder, sexual violence and genocide, with the death penalty available as a possible punishment.
The legislation also allows for special public trials, with major hearings expected to be broadcast through official platforms. Israeli politicians supporting the bill described the upcoming legal proceedings as historically significant.
Supporters of the law compared the planned trials to the historic prosecution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, who was executed in Israel in 1962.
Human rights organisations in Israel criticised the legislation, warning against the use of capital punishment and expressing concerns over what they described as potential “show trials”.
Critics also raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the possibility that confessions could be obtained under pressure or coercion. Families of victims and hostages affected by the October attacks participated in parliamentary discussions surrounding the law, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency.
The law comes amid continuing conflict in Gaza and ongoing tensions across the region following the October 2023 attacks and the subsequent war.
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