Israel Establishes Military Tribunal for Hamas

Israel's Israel — Knesset passed a law establishing a military tribunal to try hundreds of Palestinian militants from Hamas who participated in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. This attack resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The new court, to be presided over by a three-judge panel in Jerusalem, could also try others suspected of involvement or abusing Israeli hostages. The law was backed by a wide majority of 93 out of 120 Israel — Knesset members, reflecting Israeli political unity. While proponents like Israel — Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky emphasize fair trials, international law experts like Ya'ara Mordecai from Yale Law School raised concerns about due process and the risk of 'show trials'. Israel's penal code includes capital punishment for some charges, which could be applied. Hamas Gaza spokesperson Hazem Kassem condemned the law, calling it a cover for Israel's war crimes in Gaza. This development occurs amidst ongoing probes by the International — International Criminal Court into Israel's conduct in the Gaza war, which has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and a genocide case against Israel at the International — International Criminal Court.