India, March 31 -- Israel's passing of a law that sets death as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, is "very concerning", the European Union said on Tuesday. "This is a clear step backwards," said a spokesperson at a news briefing.

"We call Israel to abide by its previous principled position [of not having death penalty], its obligation under international law and its commitment to democratic principles," he added. He, however, said he had "no speculation to make" regarding any steps that could be taken by the EU Commission over Israel's move.

On Monday, Israel's parliament made death a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minist...