Israel Establishes Special Tribunal for Hamas Attackers from October 2023 – Death Penalty Possible

Criticism has come from Israeli human rights groups such as Hamoked, Adalah, and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel. They stated: "justice for the victims of October 7 is a legitimate and urgent imperative," but warned that accountability for the crimes "must be pursued through a process which includes rather than abandons the principles of justice."

Background and Further Developments

The October 7, 2023 attacks, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, triggered the current war in Gaza. Israel's military offensive has reportedly claimed the lives of over 72,628 Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 846 since the October ceasefire, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters but reports that roughly half of the casualties were women and children.

The Public Committee Against Torture in Israel also notes that around 1,300 Palestinians from Gaza are currently being held without charge. This figure does not include those detained in connection with the October attacks.

The new law differs from one passed in March that mandates the death penalty for Palestinians who murder Israelis. However, that law is not retroactive and thus does not apply to suspects from the October attacks. At the time, the international community and human rights groups condemned the measure as discriminatory and inhumane.