The recent passing of the Israeli death penalty law aimed at Palestinians has sparked outrage and condemnation from human rights organizations and activists around the world. This law, which allows for the death penalty to be imposed on Palestinians convicted of “terrorism”, is a clear example of the ongoing colonial violence and oppression that has been inflicted upon the Palestinian people for decades.

But let’s not be mistaken, this law is not a new development. It is simply a formalization of what Israel and other colonial powers have always done – create new laws to justify and legalize their violent actions against indigenous populations. From the Native American genocide to the apartheid regime in South Africa, colonial powers have used legal systems to oppress and subjugate those they see as inferior.

In the case of Israel, this has been a long-standing tactic. Since its establishment in 1948, Israel has systematically used laws to dispossess and discriminate against the Palestinian people. The Nakba, or “catastrophe”, refers to the forced displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes and land during the creation of the state of Israel. This was done through a series of laws that allowed for the confiscation of Palestinian land and property, and the denial of their right to return.

Since then, Israel has continued to enact laws that discriminate against Palestinians and maintain their status as second-class citizens. The most well-known example is the Israeli citizenship law, which prevents Palestinians from the occupied territories from obtaining Israeli citizenship through marriage to an Israeli citizen. This law has separated families and perpetuated the forced displacement of Palestinians.

But the death penalty law takes this oppression to a whole new level. It not only legitimizes the use of violence against Palestinians, but it also perpetuates the false narrative that all Palestinians are terrorists. This is a dangerous and dehumanizing rhetoric that has been used to justify the killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, including children.

Furthermore, this law is a clear violation of international law. The death penalty is prohibited under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Israel is a signatory. This blatant disregard for international law is yet another example of Israel’s impunity and its belief that it is above the law.

The passing of this law also highlights the deeply ingrained racism and discrimination within Israeli society. Palestinians, who make up 20% of the population, are already subjected to discrimination in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and housing. This law further solidifies their status as second-class citizens and reinforces the apartheid-like system that exists in Israel.

It is also important to note that this law is not just about Palestinians. It is about all marginalized and oppressed communities around the world. It is a reminder that colonial powers will continue to use legal systems to justify their violence and maintain their power and control.

But despite this blatant injustice, there is still hope. The passing of this law has sparked widespread condemnation and resistance from Palestinians and their allies. It has brought attention to the ongoing human rights violations and apartheid policies of the Israeli government. It has also united people from all walks of life in the fight against colonial violence and oppression.

As we continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, we must also recognize the importance of dismantling colonial systems and challenging the laws that uphold them. We must also demand accountability for the crimes committed against the Palestinian people and work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” Let us continue to raise our voices and take action in support of the Palestinian struggle for justice and liberation. And let us never forget that the passing of this death penalty law is just another attempt to silence and oppress a people who have been fighting for their freedom for far too long.