Iran executes man over attack on military site Iran’s judiciary said it has executed a man convicted of attacking and setting fire to a sensitive military site during protests in January. Authorities confirmed the execution on Thursday, stating that the man had been found guilty of targeting the facility amid the unrest.
Eight Muslim countries condemn Israel’s law on death penalty for Palestinians Eight Muslim-majority countries have “strongly condemned” Israel’s move to introduce hanging as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, Pakistan said in a joint statement on Thursday. Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates warned the measure risks escalating tensions on the ground. The countries stressed the “urgent need to refrain from measures” that could further inflame the situation, calling for restraint amid growing regional instability.
Palestinians in West Bank strike after Israel passes death penalty law Submitted by Sari Jaradat on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 07:41 Families of detainees vow to resist, while human rights groups and multiple countries denounce the law Palestinians join general strike after a bill allowing the execution of prisoners passed, in Hebron, West Bank, 1 April, 2026 (MEE/Sari Jaradat) Off Palestinians across the occupied West Bank observed a general strike on Wednesday in protest against a new Israeli law allowing the execution of prisoners, as international condemnation mounted. Fatah, the movement led by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, called for the strike, describing the legislation as a “dangerous escalation” against Palestinians. “This criminal law will not break the will of our people or the determination of our prisoners, but will instead strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle for their freedom and legitimate rights,” it said in a statement.
Why Israel's death penalty law is a massive setback for human rights Submitted by Hussein Abu Hussein on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 18:36 As a default option for Palestinians under occupation, the legislation will fatally undermine the rights to life, dignity, due process and equality Protesters hold placards reading 'Urgent and final appeal: Stop the execution of prisoners law before it’s too late' in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, 31 March 2026 (Zain Jaafar/AFP) Off Modern law is supposed to reflect a civilised society’s commitment to fundamental moral principles, and its aspirations to achieve justice and equality among its members. Law must define the boundaries of society, indicate what is permitted and forbidden, and formulate the image of a world that respects human rights. The Israeli Knesset has turned its back on these principles by enacting a law that imposes the death penalty on any Palestinian convicted of intentionally causing the death of a person in a “terrorist” act.
Saudi Arabia executes prominent businessman over participation in 2011 Qatif protests Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 12:32 Rights group condemns death of Saudi campaigner who was allegedly tortured into a confession Saud al-Faraj, 42, protested in the 2011 anti-government uprisings in Qatif motivated to 'end injustices', says a rights group representing him (ESOHR) Off Businessman Saud al-Faraj has been executed in Saudi Arabia over his participation in anti-government protests in 2011. Faraj, 42, was convicted in 2022 of participating in demonstrations in Qatif - a Shia-majority governorate in the east of the kingdom - as well as running a terrorist cell and killing police officers. His death was announced on Wednesday by the interior ministry following a "royal order" approving the execution.
Press freedom group ‘gravely concerned ’ by kidnapping of US journalist in Iraq International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) said the organisation is “deeply alarmed” by the kidnapping of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad. "Kittleson is a journalist whose reporting contributes to press freedom in the MENA region and beyond. She must be located, released, and returned to safety immediately," the group said "Her courageous reportage has covered conflict zones across the Middle East; she is a legitimate journalist simply doing her job to bring truth to the global public.
Video: Israeli lawmaker condemns death penalty bill as 'genocide law' “All those who supported, let alone proposed this bill, should be tried by The Hague. ” Ofer Cassif, a member of the Israeli Knesset, has condemned the death penalty bill approved on Monday for Palestinian detainees, labelling it a “genocide law. ” Cassif further emphasised that the legislation is inherently discriminatory and is designed to exclude Jewish Israelis.
Report: Iran using new methods to enforce internet blackouts Iran is using increasingly sophisticated methods to enforce nationwide internet shutdowns, according to a report by the rights group Access Now. Access Now said Iran has criminalised the “purchase, sale, import, and use of unauthorised internet tools, such as Starlink,” and has used signal jamming to block access to satellite-based internet systems. The report said the current shutdown, which began on February 28, is layered on top of existing restrictions through Iran’s National Information Network.
Spain’s PM condemns Israeli death penalty law as ‘step toward apartheid’ Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has warned that Israel’s new death penalty law, instructing military courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in acts of “terror”, describes it as “another step toward apartheid”. In a post on X, Sanchez said: “The Government of Spain condemns the death penalty for Palestinians that has just been approved by the Israeli parliament. ” “This is an asymmetric measure that would not be applied to Israelis who commit the same crimes.
Eight children evacuated during Israeli siege on al-Shifa return to Gaza Submitted by Mera Aladam on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 12:29 The toddlers reunite with family, some of whom had not seen them since their birth more than two years earlier A newborn infant inside an incubator at a neonatal intensive care unit at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, 29 September 2022 (AFP/Mohammed Abed) Off A group of Palestinian children from Gaza , evacuated abroad as premature infants for treatment, have returned to the enclave more than two years after Israel ’s siege of al-Shifa hospital where they were born. The eight toddlers arrived on Monday via the Rafah crossing, with teams from the Palestine Red Crescent Society taking part in the humanitarian mission, accompanied by the nursing teams who cared for them throughout their treatment journey. The children were among over a dozen babies who were placed in incubators at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, and later evacuated to Egypt as Israeli troops stormed the complex in November 2023.
Israel's Ben Gvir celebrates death penalty law by drinking wine in parliament Submitted by Mera Aladam on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 08:10 New legislation targeting Palestinian detainees has been largely decried as a violation of international law Israel's far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrates after death penalty for Palestinians gets passed into law, on 30 March 2026 (Oren Ben Hakoon/Reuters) Off Israel 's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was pictured rejoicing in the passing of a controversial bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners. The far-right minister, who has largely championed the legislation, was seen celebrating its approval by drinking and serving alcohol to members of the Israeli parliament. The Knesset approved the bill in its last readings on Monday with 62-48 vote in favour, despite international pleas to " abandon " the ruling.
Israel’s closure of the Holy Sepulchre is proof that no faith is safe from occupation Submitted by Ismail Patel on Tue, 03/31/2026 - 07:27 Granting the Latin Patriarch access to the church does not fix the fundamental issue of a colonial system designed to erase Palestinian Christian presence Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, sits inside the Church of All Nations to mark Palm Sunday following Israel's cancellation of the traditional Palm Sunday procession on 29 March, 2026 (AFP) On In Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands at the heart of Christian worship. It is the site for commemorating the crucifixion and resurrection. To deny access to this site is not a simple administrative act.
Iran executes two men convicted of attack on government building, judiciary news outlet says Iran executed two men convicted of links to the Mujahideen-e Khalq Organisation and involvement in multiple attacks, including firing launcher weapons at a government building, the judiciary news outlet reported on Tuesday. On Monday, two other men linked to the same opposition group were executed.
US says Israel free to set laws after death penalty act for Palestinians passed The United States said it respects Israel’s right to determine its own laws after the Israeli parliament approved legislation allowing the execution of Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks. “The United States respects Israel’s sovereign right to determine its own laws and penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism,” a State Department spokesperson told AFP. “We trust that any such measures will be carried out with a fair trial and respect for all applicable fair trial guarantees and protections.
'It's a prison': Afghans stranded in US camp in Qatar exposed to Iranian strikes Submitted by Yasmine El-Sabawi on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 16:29 Camp As Sayliyah is set to close as a transit hub for vetted Afghans, but the US has not informed them where they're going An image taken earlier this month by an Afghan asylee shows the concrete 'bunkers' that the US military installed at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar to shield residents from missile interceptions occurring overhead, due to the US-Israeli war on Iran (Supplied) Off Behnaz Jamshidi has packed her bags again, despite not receiving explicit guidance to get ready. She has no idea what is going to happen to her and her family, or where they will end up, but she knows it won't be the US. The 28-year-old Afghan mother has been at Camp As Sayliyah (Cas) in the Qatari desert for a year and four months.
Israeli Knesset passes law to execute Palestinians for 'acts of terrorism' Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 19:52 Law makes death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians for killings that come under 'acts of terrorism' Israeli soldiers patrol a street during a military operation in the Askar refugee camp in eastern Nablus, occupied West Bank, on 2 March 2026 (Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP) Off The Israeli Knesset passed on Monday a death penalty law targeting Palestinians , in a move condemned by human rights organisations. The legislation establishes two separate pathways for the death penalty based on national identity. The law makes the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank who are tried in military courts.
Palestine Action hunger striker arrested in dawn raid by masked police Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:32 Campaigners report that 21-year-old Qesser Zuhrah's arrest came after she posted an Instagram story calling for 'direct action' Qesser Zuhrah went 46 days without food to protest her detention conditions while held on remand for 15 months (handout) Off A former Palestine Action-linked prisoner has been arrested under the Terrorism Act by masked police in a dawn raid on her home, weeks after she was released on bail. Footage circulated online appeared to show 21-year-old Qesser Zuhrah, who had recently been granted bail after spending 15 months on remand, being arrested at her home by police officers at around 6:30am on Monday morning. In the footage, a masked officer informs her that she is being arrested under Section 44 of the Serious Crimes Act, the offence of encouraging others to commit crimes, and Section 1 of the Terrorism Act, encouraging others to commit an act of terrorism.
'Inhumane and degrading': Israel set to approve death penalty for Palestinians Submitted by Fayha Shalash on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 12:29 Lawmakers to vote on bill condemned by European states and rights groups as discriminatory and unlawful A prison guard stands outside Ofer military prison, located between Ramallah and Beitunia in the occupied West Bank, on 19 January 2025 (AFP/Jalaa Marey) Off Israel 's parliament, the Knesset, is set to vote on Monday on the final readings of a bill that would allow the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners convicted of "terrorism". The legislation has drawn criticism for violating the right to life and for its potentially discriminatory application, with Palestinians facing execution while Jewish offenders likely receiving prison sentences for similar crimes. On Sunday, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom urged Israeli authorities to "abandon" the vote.
UAE arrests dozens of British citizens over online posts during Iran war Submitted by Imran Mulla on Mon, 03/30/2026 - 13:00 The government has launched a major crackdown on social media posts and videos depicting Iranian missile attacks UAE Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attends the Dubai World Cup horse race in Dubai on 28 March 2026 (AFP) Off Dozens of British citizens have been jailed in the United Arab Emirates as the country clamps down on social media activity over the Iran war . Advocacy group Detained in Dubai released a report on Sunday documenting "widespread arrests, detention, and prosecution of residents, tourists, workers, and students of multiple nationalities". The UAE's global image as a safe, tax-free business hub and holiday destination has been shattered in the past month, as buildings - including Dubai's airport and the iconic Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah - have been hit by Iranian missiles and drones.
Spain summons Israeli envoy over Latin Patriarch's church access Spain on Monday summoned Israel's top envoy to Madrid in protest over Israeli police blocking the Latin Patriarch from Christianity's holiest site in Jerusalem, the foreign minister said. "This cannot happen again, Catholic worship must be able to be celebrated normally," Jose Manuel Albares told RAC1 radio after Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was prevented from holding Palm Sunday mass at the Holy Sepulchre church. Israeli police said on Monday that they reached an agreement with Christian leaders to allow limited prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre following criticism over earlier restrictions.
