Israel’s parliament has approved a new law allowing death sentences and public trials for suspects linked to the October 7 attacks.
Israel’s Knesset voted 93-0 to pass legislation creating a special legal framework for prosecuting individuals accused of involvement in the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023.
The new law allows Israeli authorities to seek the death penalty against suspects accused of terrorism, murder, kidnapping, sexual violence, and genocide linked to the attacks. Trials will be conducted before a special military court in Jerusalem, with key hearings broadcast publicly online.
Israeli lawmakers said the legislation is intended to deliver justice for victims and families affected by the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. Officials compared the planned trials to the prosecution of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.
Human rights groups in Israel strongly criticised the law, warning that it could lead to “show trials” and convictions based on confessions allegedly obtained through torture. Rights advocates also opposed the use of capital punishment.
The October 7 attacks killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, while 251 others were taken hostage into Gaza. The conflict triggered a prolonged war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
The new legislation comes amid growing pressure in Israel for tougher measures against those accused of carrying out the October 7 attacks.