UN says Israel's death penalty law violates international law

GENEVA, March 31 (Reuters) - The U.N. rights chief on Tuesday urged Israel to repeal a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, saying the legislation violated international humanitarian law.

"It raises serious concerns about due process violations, is deeply discriminatory, and must be promptly repealed," Volker Turk said in a statement sent to reporters.

He said the law, passed by parliament on Monday, was inconsistent with Israel's legal obligations, citing the lack of opportunity for pardon and ordering executions to be carried out within 90 days.

(Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Ros Russell)