BRUSSELS, March 31 (Reuters) – Israel’s decision to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks is ‘very concerning’ for the European Union, said a Commission spokesperson on Tuesday.
“This is a clear step backwards,” added the spokesperson at a news briefing. “We call Israel to abide by its previous principled position, its obligation under international law and its commitment to democratic principles,” he said.
He added he had no speculation to make regarding any steps that could be taken by the EU Commission over Israel’s move.
On Monday, Israel’s parliament making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
