The Right to Life in the Palestinian Society: The Case of the Death Penalty from Comparative Human Rights Perspectives

This book provides a comparative analysis of death penalty laws in Palestine and its neighboring countries. The historical application of capital punishment is examined from the time of the Ottoman rule through the creation of the Palestinian Authority until the ensuing political divide in Palestine since Hamas’ takeover of Gaza. The international legal framework of the right to life and Palestine’s legal status under international law impacting Palestine’s adherence to international treaties and conventions limiting the application of the death penalty is scrutinized. Also examined is the possibility of abolishing the death penalty in accordance with the precepts of Islam.