Israel's parliament has passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to try Palestinian militants accused of participating in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks, where the death penalty could be imposed.
The bill passed with overwhelming support, 93 votes in favor and none against.
The court will try attackers captured during or after the assault, as well as those suspected of holding or abusing hostages in Gaza. Israeli media reports approximately 400 suspects are expected to face trial.
The Hamas attack killed 1,221 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and 251 hostages were taken. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed over 72,000 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.
The special court in Jerusalem will have jurisdiction under laws including the Prevention of Genocide Law, Penal Code, and Counter-Terrorism Law. Hearings will be public and partially broadcast.
The last execution in Israel was Nazi Holocaust perpetrator Adolf Eichmann in 1962.
Rights groups warn of potential "show trials." Simcha Rothman, a far-right lawmaker who co-sponsored the bill, called it a "historic framework." Opposition politician Yulia Malinovsky said the trials will be recorded and broadcast, calling the perpetrators "modern Nazis."
Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim condemned the law as a dangerous escalation.