Palestinian detainees may face death sentence: Suspend EU–Israel Association Agreement

The Malaysian human rights commission, Suhakam, welcomes the recent announcement of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in West Asia and expresses hope that it will bring an immediate end to the immense suffering endured by civilians, particularly women and children.

Notwithstanding this positive development, Suhakam emphasises that a ceasefire must be accompanied by credible accountability measures for all alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed during the conflict.

Suhakam is gravely concerned by reports that Palestinian detainees are being subjected to mass death sentences, with claims that thousands may face capital punishment.

In this regard, Suhakam echoes the concerns raised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which has warned that legislative measures enabling the imposition of the death penalty against Palestinians may constitute a discriminatory regime of capital punishment, fundamentally incompatible with international law.

Such measures raise serious and systemic due process violations, including the denial of fair trial guarantees and judicial independence.

The targeted application of the death penalty against a specific population group may amount to collective punishment and could constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, potentially rising to the level of international crimes.

The imposition of the death penalty in a discriminatory manner, reportedly applied exclusively against Palestinians, constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, equality before the law, and the right to a fair trial.

In this regard, Suhakam calls on the EU to urgently review and suspend the EU–Israel Association Agreement, in line with its human rights commitments. Continued economic engagement in the face of credible allegations of grave violations risks undermining the integrity of international human rights standards.

Suhakam further urges the international community to take immediate and concrete measures to ensure the protection of civilians, uphold the rule of law, and guarantee accountability for all violations, without exception.

A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through full respect for international law, human dignity and fundamental freedoms for all. – Suhakam