The massive crowd that emerged in Gaza on Tuesday was not just a protest, but an echo of deep unrest and anger. Palestinian prisoners’ families, former detainees, and rights groups gathered outside the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross, sending a clear message that the ‘Prisoner Execution Law’ will not be accepted under any circumstances.
With prisoners’ photos in their hands, flags, and slogans filled with anger… all of this symbolized that this issue is not just about a law, but about life and justice. The protesters not only called the proposed law unjust, but also directly described it as a threat to the lives of prisoners.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasim issued a strong warning, stating that this law is a blatant violation of international humanitarian standards. He alleged that Israel has already been causing deaths among prisoners through torture and medical neglect, and that this law would effectively give open legal legitimacy to that ongoing pattern.
He appealed not only to the Palestinian people but to the entire world to rise up. He also called for protests outside embassies, demanded intervention from the United Nations, and urged human rights organizations to take action. At the same time, the Red Cross was also called out, with the message that issuing statements alone is not enough—concrete steps must now be taken.
Other speakers present at the rally also described this law as ‘unprecedented’ and ‘dangerous.’ They said that this step could directly put the lives of thousands of prisoners at risk, and yet the world remains silent.
Former prisoner Majdi Abed highlighted the conditions inside prisons and sharply questioned the international and regional silence. Meanwhile, the fear was clearly evident in the voice of Najah Al-Rifi, the wife of Mahmoud Al-Dahdouh—she has had no news of her husband for months, and now with this new law, the level of concern has deepened even further.
Perhaps the most striking point was that this protest is not just a one-day expression of anger. The demonstrators made it clear that their voices will continue to be raised until this law is withdrawn.
This entire situation leaves behind an uncomfortable question: Have international law and human rights been reduced to mere words on paper? And if not, then why is the world silent in the face of this growing crisis?