Because Palestinians in the territory are automatically tried in Israeli military courts, the measure effectively creates a separate and harsher legal track

In Israeli civilian courts, the law allows for either death or life imprisonment for those convicted of killing with intent to harm the state

While the law does not provide for retroactive application, critics say the distinction underscores a system of unequal justice

In Ramallah, dozens of activists, political factions and civil society groups gathered to protest the law

Some held placards depicting a blindfolded prisoner flanked by two hanging nooses -- a stark image of what they fear lies ahead