Bethlehem poster highlights the dangerous narrative around Palestinian prisoners

Did you know that last week, on April 17, was Palestinian Prisoners’ Day?

I was walking through Manger Square in Bethlehem when I noticed a poster hanging from the Bethlehem Peace Center. It read:

“Down with the execution law. May Palestinian Prisoners’ Day be a global and national day for the liberation of all Palestinian political prisoners, ending the execution law and the systematic genocide against detainees in occupation prisons.”

That is quite a statement to see displayed at a place called a peace center. It made me wonder: how would releasing convicted murderers—people with blood on their hands—bring peace to Israel or the broader Middle East?

Is there really a “systematic genocide” against detainees? What does that even mean?

The so-called execution law has not even been implemented. Not a single Palestinian has been executed under it. So what is being referred to here? Are they talking about prisoners who have died due to illness? These claims seem like yet another accusation used to portray Israel as evil.

If Israel were truly committing genocide against Palestinian prisoners, there would be no prisoners left to exchange in hostage deals. In fact, thousands of Palestinian prisoners have been released over the years in such agreements—hardly evidence of systematic extermination.

Perhaps that is where many of these prisoners have gone—freed as part of lopsided deals rather than being “eliminated” in prison.

It’s also important to note that the execution law would not affect most Palestinians. It would apply only to those who deliberately commit acts of murder against innocent civilians. For ordinary Palestinians—those working, raising families, and living everyday lives—this law has no bearing.

As Scripture says in 1 Timothy 1:8–9 (NKJV):
“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate… for murderers… for manslayers.”

If hardened murderers were executed, Israel could not be blackmailed into future prisoner exchanges. In recent deals, roughly 1,900–2,000 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange for Israeli hostages, including hundreds classified as security prisoners. While it was a great joy to see the hostages return home, it was also painful to see individuals responsible for violence being released.

For victims and their families, these releases can reopen deep wounds. Justice can feel incomplete when those responsible for serious crimes are set free.

There is a striking irony in calling for the release of all “political prisoners,” including those convicted of violent attacks, while opposing legal consequences such as the death penalty. It raises difficult moral questions about justice, accountability, and consistency.

I pray for the day when peace will truly prevail—when, as the Bible says, “the lion will lie down with the lamb.” A day when peace is not only spoken of, but lived out in the streets and in our hearts. A day when such laws are no longer needed, and people can live together in security and mutual respect.

Amen.