Israel under fire for passing bill to execute Palestinian attackers

RAMALLAH, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official on Wednesday condemned the Israeli parliament's "execution" bill against Palestinians carrying out attacks on Israelis.

Ahmed Majdalani, an official in Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), called the law "racist," saying it allows for the first time "the logic of the so-called occupation laws to try and execute those who fight for independence and freedom."

He said the law is contrary to the International Covenant on Human Rights and the four Geneva Conventions relating to the rights of the population under occupation.

The PLO official stressed that the goal of the law is to export fear to the Palestinians who are fighting for independence, a right that is guaranteed by all international charters and the United Nations.

Majdalani called on all parliaments around the world to regard the law as illegal, unconstitutional, illegitimate and infringing on the most basic Palestinian human rights under Israeli occupation.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Knesset (parliament) approved a preliminary reading of a "death" law for Palestinians carrying out attacks that kill Israelis.

The bill, with 52 Knesset members backing it and 49 against it, will be referred to a government committee for consideration before being returned to the Knesset for a vote in three readings before it becomes part of the basic laws. Enditem