Punishment by Kinship
In a new step reflecting the depth of the shift towards the extreme right in Israeli politics, the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee in the Knesset approved a draft law that deprives Palestinians of obtaining work permits inside the "Green Line" or residence permits for family reunification purposes, not only if they are convicted of what Israel describes as "terrorism," but merely because they are relatives of those who were convicted.
Legal Framework and International Law Violations
Under this legislation, a Palestinian who is completely free of any charge becomes subject to administrative punishment, just because he is a brother, father, or cousin of another person who was accused or convicted. This is not just a security policy, but a criminalization of identity and family belonging.
International Legal Violations
- Collective Punishment: The law violates Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits collective punishment
- Discrimination: Represents institutional discrimination that undermines social and economic Palestinian ties
- Human Rights: Violates the right to work and residence based on family connections
Required Response
International human rights institutions, Palestinian Authority, and civil society must document and expose the racist dimensions of this legislation through legal and diplomatic channels.