Israel passes controversial death penalty law

Israel has passed a law which will make the death penalty by hanging the default punishment for West Bank Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis.

The UK, Germany, France and Italy criticised the legislation, saying in a joint declaration it will "significantly expand the possibilities for imposing the death penalty". The allies called the law "de facto discriminatory" and said that by passing it, "Israel risks undermining its commitments to democratic principles".

Iran war latest - Trump's obliteration threat The death penalty "is an inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterrent effect.