Israel's parliament has passed the first reading of a bill proposing the death penalty for those it deems to be terrorists acting against the state - a requirement which means it is likely to be used only against Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis, BBC reported.

The bill - which has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority and human rights groups - was backed in the 120-seat Knesset by 39 votes to 16.

Far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir - whose Jewish Power party brought the vote - celebrated late on Monday by handing out sweets, according to BBC.