Egypt’s top Sunni authority denounces Israel’s attempt to legalize killing

Al-Azhar, Egypt’s highest Sunni Islamic authority voiced deep concern over the international legal system’s failure to address Israel’s passage of a law authorizing the execution of Palestinian prisoners.

The statement came a day after the Israeli Knesset approved the legislation by a vote of 62 to 48, with one abstention, amid celebrations from right-wing parties, WAFA News Agency reports.

Al-Azhar said it “deeply regrets and expresses its profound dismay at the collapse of the international legal system and its inability to confront the Israeli occupation's passage of a bill to implement the death penalty against Palestinian prisoners and detainees.”

“This crime once again reveals the bloody face of this occupation, which is not content with its ongoing crimes but seeks to legalize its criminality and killing, granting it a false and blatant legal cover,” the institution added.

Al-Azhar emphasized its “categorical rejection of all measures or decisions issued by the occupation to legitimize the killing of Palestinians.” It further stated that “this decision is nothing but a desperate attempt by the occupation to legitimize killing, which does not alter its true nature; it reflects a state of barbarity and moral depravity, and a violation of all human values.”

The institution called on the international community and human rights organizations to “assume their moral and legal responsibilities regarding these actions that blatantly disregard international law and norms.” It urged immediate action to halt the law’s implementation, hold those responsible accountable, and protect civilian lives.

By Vafa Guliyeva