Tel Aviv, Nov. 12 -- Israel's parliament (Knesset) has approved in a first reading a controversial bill that would allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israeli citizens, sparking condemnation from human rights groups and Arab lawmakers.

The legislation, proposed by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party, was passed late on Monday, November 10, with 39 votes in favour and 16 against out of 120 Knesset members, according to public broadcaster KAN.

The amendment states that "any person who intentionally or through recklessness causes the death of an Israeli citizen, when motivated by racism, hatred, or intent to harm Israel," shall face the death penalty, with ...