Feb 10 • 17:29 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

A New Punitive Approach: Israel Begins Deporting Prisoners Under Residency Revocation Law

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the deportation of two Palestinian prisoners under a controversial new law that revokes residency rights for those convicted of terrorism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently approved a significant policy change that will see the deportation of Palestinian prisoners Mahmoud Ahmed and Mohammad Ahmed Hussein Halsey to Gaza. This move marks a first under a law that allows Israel to revoke citizenship or residency rights from individuals classified as convicted terrorists. The context of this decision is rooted in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in light of ongoing tensions surrounding security issues and the governance of Palestinian territories.

According to reports, Netanyahu's decision is framed as a necessary action following the involvement of the two individuals in violent incidents, including knife and shooting attacks in occupied Jerusalem. By making such a declaration, Netanyahu not only enforces legal measures but also signals his administration's commitment to a tougher stance on Palestinian individuals accused of terrorism. This legislative action has come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that it targets Palestinians disproportionately and infringes on their rights, potentially escalating tensions in the region.

Furthermore, the law, championed by Knesset member Ofir Katz, allows for the deportation of residents who are found to receive financial benefits from the Palestinian Authority linked to security offenses. This legislative framework raises questions about its implications for Palestinian residency rights and its potential effects on the already volatile political situation. With Netanyahu's declaration hinting at expanded applications of this law to more individuals, the policy is likely to undergo further examinations, both nationally and internationally, in light of human rights considerations and the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.

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