Israeli cabinet members have approved a bill permitting at least 10 unconditional years behind bars for Palestinian protesters.

The new act was approved unanimously by the ministerial committee for legislation on Sunday.

If passed, the protesters who are caught throwing objects towards Israeli soldiers or their moving vehicles can be jailed for at least 10 years without proof of intention.

The bill, which faces a series of parliamentary readings before coming into effect, is aimed at changing the existing laws which require proof of intent before jail sentencing.

The new bill was originally passed by the Israeli cabinet back in November but was not finalized before dissolution of the parliament ahead of the March 17 snap elections.

Over 7,000 Palestinians are reportedly incarcerated in Israeli jails and detention camps. many of whom are being held under the so-called administrative detention, which is a manner of imprisonment without trial or charge, allowing Israel to incarcerate Palestinians for up to six months. The detention order can be renewed for indefinite periods of time.

There have also been many reports about the deteriorating health of Palestinian prisoners held inside Israeli prisons.

SRK/NT/AS