Hamas on Monday evening issued a sharp response to reports that Israel is fast-tracking approval of legislation that would allow the death penalty for terrorists, following disclosures that preparations for implementing the law have already begun.

The terror group reacted to a report aired on Channel 13 News regarding the acceleration of the legislative process and initial steps to establish enforcement mechanisms. In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of exposing what it called its true nature. “(The move) exposes the true face of this entity, which exists on bloodshed, organized crime and collective punishment,” the organization claimed.

Hamas further alleged that advancing the legislation constitutes a serious violation of international law and global conventions. Referring to Israel’s prison policies, the group described the proposed law as part of what it termed an escalation against incarcerated terrorists.

“It is about unprecedented steps within a policy of ‘slow killing’ that the occupation is carrying out against the prisoners,” the statement asserted, adding that the measures reflect “sadism and systematic torture inside the prisons.”

The organization also alleged that prisoners are subjected on a daily basis to “abuse, medical neglect and deliberate starvation,” which it claimed is a continuation of what it described as Israel’s war against the Palestinian people.

Hamas concluded its statement with an appeal to the international community, calling for immediate intervention. “We call on the United Nations and all international legal and humanitarian institutions to act immediately and effectively to protect our prisoners and to stop this dangerous crime,” the statement read.

As previously reported, the Israel Prison Service has in recent days begun advancing dedicated preparations for the possible implementation of the death penalty law for terrorists, which has already passed its first reading in the Knesset. The preparations reportedly include establishing a designated facility for carrying out sentences, formulating operational procedures, training personnel, and examining practices in countries where similar punishment exists.

{Matzav.com}