JERUSALEM, June 15, 2013 (WAFA) - The European Union Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah Saturday condemned the death sentences issued by the Hamas authority in Gaza over the past weeks, according to a statement.

“The de facto authorities in Gaza should refrain from carrying out any executions of prisoners and comply with the de facto moratorium on executions put in place by the Palestinian Authority, pending abolition of the death penalty in line with the global trend,” it said.

“The EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah recall the EU's firm opposition under all circumstances to the use of capital punishment. The EU considers that abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. It considers capital punishment to be cruel and inhuman, that it fails to provide deterrence to criminal behavior, and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity,” concluded the statement.

M.S.