Humanitarian groups are urging Government action in response to a controversial new law abroad.

UK-based organisations, including Oxford-based Oxfam, are calling on the Government to suspend its trade agreement with Israel.

This follows Israel’s introduction of a death penalty law that applies to Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Shahd Mousalli, senior humanitarian influencing adviser at Oxfam, said: “This is a discriminatory law that risks enabling executions following deeply flawed military court proceedings.

“The UK’s claim to be upholding international law is clearly undermined by choosing to remain a preferential trading partner of a government that repeatedly and systematically violates it.”

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The law, passed by Israel’s parliament on March 30 allows the death penalty to be imposed under military law, but specifically excludes Israeli citizens and residents from its application.

Issued through military courts in the occupied Palestinian territories, the legislation could have far-reaching effects for Palestinians.

The UK groups argue this marks a “grave and dangerous escalation” in what they describe as Israel’s systematic assault on Palestinian rights.

In an open statement addressed to the Foreign Secretary, the organisations, which also include ActionAid UK, Amos Trust, CAABU, GLAN, MAP, Human Rights Watch and War on Want, called for the immediate suspension of the UK-Israel trade agreement.

They highlight that Israel’s military courts have a reported conviction rate of approximately 96 per cent and “lack the most basic due process and fair trial protections for Palestinians.”

Many detainees are said to be held unlawfully and face poor conditions, including allegations of torture and starvation.

The groups are particularly concerned by the absence of any legal safeguards excluding children from the death penalty law.

They cite the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, which has repeatedly criticised Israel for its treatment of Palestinian minors.

Ms Mousalli described the new law as part of a broader pattern of abuses.

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She said: “This bill is just one component of a systematic assault on Palestinian life and state sovereignty in the occupied Palestinian territory.”

The organisations are calling on the UK Government to: suspend the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, ban trade with and investment in illegal settlements; and actively support Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations, whose monitoring, documentation, and advocacy are essential to the protection of human rights.

They warn that the UK’s window to influence change is closing.

Ms Mousalli said: “One month has passed since the adoption of this legislation, there is no indication it will be repealed. The window for preventing its implementation is rapidly closing.

“We urge the UK Government to act – urgently, concretely, and in accordance with its stated values as well as legal obligations.”