Catholic leaders and organisations response to Israel's Death Penalty expansion Bill

On March 30th, 2026, the Israeli Knesset voted to expand the use of the death penalty, specifically in occupied Palestinian territories.

In response, Catholic leaders and authorised representatives of Catholic organisations endorsed this call from Catholic leaders and organisations to express strong moral opposition to the legislation and call for immediate action to protect Palestinian life, uphold human dignity, ensure respect for international law and accountability. They state:

We, Catholic leaders and organisations committed to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human person, express our grave concern and unequivocal moral objection to the recent legislation expanding the use of the death penalty, particularly its application in the context of prolonged occupation.

This measure cannot be viewed in isolation or only as a legal matter. It must be understood against the reality of the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory and the persistent denial of the Palestinian people's fundamental right to self-determination. Any legal framework imposed in such a context carries profound moral and legal implications, especially when it concerns the irreversible taking of human life.

The legislation represents a deeply troubling and historic shift. By introducing and normalising the death penalty within military courts operating in occupied territory, it institutionalises a system of state-sanctioned killing on discriminatory grounds. The fact that Israeli citizens are excluded from these provisions highlights the inequity and discrimination inherent in this law. In the context of ongoing allegations of genocide, if intent is proven, a law designed specifically to target specifically Palestinians could constitute an act of genocide, being a part of a wider pattern of genocidal conduct in violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

We are particularly alarmed by provisions that limit judicial discretion, restrict access to legal counsel, and accelerate the implementation of executions. Within a military court system already widely criticised for its lack of safeguards, such measures risk facilitating grave miscarriages of justice. These courts have a high conviction rate of 96%, often relying on confessions obtained under coercive conditions, intensify fears that innocent lives may be irreversibly lost.

For Palestinians living under occupation, this legislation introduces urgent and existential threats to life and security. It contributes to an environment of fear and vulnerability, where legal protections are weakened and the possibility of redress is severely curtailed. Rather than advancing justice, such measures risk entrenching cycles of violence and injustice. As of March 2026, there are approximately 9446 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, many of whom are detained without trial or due process, who are now facing heightened risk under this bill.

From the perspective of Catholic social teaching, the use of the death penalty is inadmissible. It violates the dignity of the human person and undermines the moral responsibility of societies to protect life, even in the face of grave wrongdoing. This principle applies universally and without exception.

We therefore call for the urgent protection of Palestinian life and rights. This demands that all people and institutions act in solidarity, respecting due process, equal treatment under the law, and international human rights standards in occupied territories. The right to self-determination is sacred and must be upheld.

We call upon:

States with political, economic, or military relations with Israel to review and suspend forms of cooperation that contribute to violations of Palestinian rights and ensure that any future or ongoing agreements are strictly conditional upon respect for international law, the protection of Palestinian life, and the safeguarding of human dignity in the occupied Palestinian territory.
European Union institutions and member states to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement (EU-IAA) until Israel demonstrates full respect for Palestinian life, equal access to justice, and adherence to international humanitarian law in accordance with art.2 of such agreement.

States and international partners to prioritise the protection of human rights organisations, civil society actors, and lawyers providing support to Palestinians, ensuring they can operate without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction.

Diplomatic actors and international partners to coordinate pressure aimed at preventing executions and safeguarding legal protections for Palestinians under occupation, including the right to access independent legal representation.

International institutions and states to support accountability mechanisms addressing violations arising from this legislation, ensuring that Palestinians can live in safety and dignity, free from discriminatory practices and threats to life.

Catholic community to stand in solidarity with Palestinians under occupation, accompanying them in their struggle for life, dignity, and justice, and bearing witness against the expansion of the death penalty.

At this critical juncture, we reaffirm our commitment to nonviolence and justice. We stand in solidarity with those whose lives are placed at risk and call for renewed efforts towards a just and lasting peace grounded in human dignity.

Support from Catholic leaders and authorised representatives of Catholic organisations is welcome until April 8th, 10am Brussels time, via the following form: Sign the declaration HERE

Signatories:

Catholic Leaders

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Pax Christi International Co-president, Philippines
Sr. Teresia Wamuyu Wachira, Pax Christi International Co-president, Kenya
H.E. Michel Sabbah, former Pax Christi International President, Palestine
Br. Jacek Orzechowski O.F.M., USA
Fr. Caille Michel, Franciscan chaplain for Pax Christi, France
Fr. John Heagle, Chair, Priests Against Genocide, USA
Fr. Paul Lansu, Parish priest in Antwerp and Pax Christi International, Belgium
Most Reverend William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, Scotland
Right Reverend Brian McGee, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Scotland
Rt Revd James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop Westminster - England
Sr Katrina Alton, National Chaplain to Pax Christi England & Wales, England and Wales
Sister Patricia L. Ryan, Peru

Catholic Organisations

Arab Educational Institute - Pax Christi Bethlehem, Palestine
Caritas Ambrosiana, Italy
Caritas Internationalis, Vatican City
Caritas Middle East and North Africa, MENA region
CIDSE - International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations, International
Comision de Voz Profetica en Latinoamerica y Caribe, Argentina
Coventry Justice and Peace Group, UK
Derechos Humanos y Medio Ambiente DHUMA, Perú
Franciscan Peace Center, Clinton, Iowa, USA
Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto Generalate, International
Kairos Italia, Italy
Leadership Conference of Women Religious, USA
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Peru
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, USA
National Justice and Peace Network, England and Wales
Pax Christi England & Wales, England &Wales
Pax Christi Flanders, Belgium
Pax Christi France, France
Pax Christi Germany, Germany
Pax Christi Italia, Italy
Pax Christi New York State, USA
Pax Christi Scotland, Scotland
Pax Christi USA, USA
Quixote Center, USA
Red Iglesias y Minería, Ecuador
REGCHAG -Red Eclesial Gran Chaco y Acuífero Guaraní, Argentina - Paraguay - Uruguay - Bolivia
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Justice Team, USA
Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, USA