Israel passes law that allows deportation of relatives of 'terrorists', including Israeli citizens

Israel's parliament has given the final approval to a bill that would allow the government to deport relatives of Palestinians accused of "terrorism", which includes Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.

The legislation stipulates that they would be deported to either the besieged, war-ravaged Gaza Strip or elsewhere.

Championed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, the law passed with 61 votes in favour and 41 votes against.

The highly controversial law will reportedly apply to Palestinian citizens of Israel and occupied East Jerusalem residents, though it remains unclear whether it will also be enforced in the occupied West Bank.

Should it reach Israel's Supreme Court, it is unclear whether the law would be upheld or struck down.

Deportees could be banned for a period ranging from 7 to 15 years for citizens and 10 to 20 years for legal residents.