Israel’s parliament, the Knesset has passed legislation establishing a special military tribunal to prosecute Palestinian militants accused of involvement in the October 7, attacks on Israel. According to local media reports, the bill was approved with 93 votes in favour and none against, reflecting rare bipartisan support in the Knesset.
The law provides for the creation of a special court within Israel’s military justice system to try nearly 300 alleged militants who were captured by Israeli security forces during the October 7 attack and have remained in detention since then. Under the legislation, the tribunal will be authorised to prosecute defendants on charges including genocide, harming Israeli sovereignty, causing war, assisting an enemy during wartime, and terrorism.
According to local media reports, between five to six thousands Palestinian militants, primarily from Hamas along with members of other armed groups, entered Israel by land, sea and air on October 7, 2023, launching coordinated attacks across multiple locations near the Gaza border.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, many of whom were taken into Gaza.
