Israel Approves Military Tribunal Law for Hamas Fighters Linked to October 7 Attack
May 2026 | By Azad News
Israel’s parliament has passed a new law establishing a special military tribunal to try Palestinian fighters accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The legislation was approved by a large majority in the Knesset and is intended to prosecute individuals captured during or after the attack carried out by Hamas-led fighters.
According to Israeli authorities, the October 7 assault resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, while hundreds of hostages were taken into Gaza.
Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in Gaza that has caused widespread destruction and significant casualties across the Palestinian territory.
Israeli officials estimate that between 200 and 300 fighters connected to the attack are currently being held in custody, although exact figures remain classified.
The newly established tribunal will reportedly operate through a three-judge military panel based in Jerusalem and could also hear cases involving individuals accused of holding or abusing Israeli hostages.
Under the law, court proceedings are expected to be public, with key hearings broadcast live, while defendants may participate in some hearings through video links.
Israeli lawmakers supporting the bill stated that the legislation aims to ensure accountability under Israeli criminal law for what they described as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
However, legal experts and rights advocates have raised concerns regarding due process, the use of military courts, and the possibility of politically charged proceedings.
The law also allows for the possibility of capital punishment under certain charges included in Israel’s penal code, although any death sentence would automatically be subject to appeal.
Hamas criticised the legislation, describing it as an attempt to justify Israeli actions in Gaza, while Israel maintains that its military campaign is directed against Hamas and not the Palestinian population.
International legal scrutiny of the conflict continues, with ongoing investigations and legal proceedings related to the war in Gaza taking place in international courts.
Conclusion
Israel’s approval of a special military tribunal marks a significant legal development linked to the October 7 attack, while debates continue internationally over accountability, human rights, and the broader consequences of the Gaza conflict.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
