Eight Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned Israel’s recently passed death penalty law, calling it discriminatory and a violation of Palestinian rights. According to the report, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement criticizing the law. The Israeli parliament passed the bill earlier this week, introducing capital punishment for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in what it defines as ‘terrorist’ acts, while exempting Jewish Israelis from the same penalty.

The ministers said the law denies Palestinians’ fundamental rights and institutionalizes an apartheid-like system in the occupied territories. They also expressed deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, citing reports from human rights groups about torture, food shortages, and deprivation of basic rights.

The European Union and several European countries have also voiced concern and criticism over the law. Human rights organizations warned that the measure will further entrench discrimination against Palestinians and strengthen Israel’s apartheid system.