The prominent Palestinian figure, Marwan Barghouti, who is widely viewed as a unifying leader, is not included in Israel’s plan to release prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas under the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. Israel has declined to release several high-profile prisoners sought by Hamas, but the final list of approximately 250 prisoners listed on the Israeli government’s website remains uncertain.
Hamas has insisted on the release of Barghouti and other significant figures, according to senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk. Negotiations are ongoing with mediators to address this issue. Barghouti is considered a terrorist leader by Israel, serving multiple life sentences since his conviction in 2004 for involvement in attacks that resulted in five deaths.
Despite his controversial background, Barghouti is seen as a proponent of a two-state solution and a symbol of resistance against occupation. His potential to unite Palestinians has drawn comparisons to Nelson Mandela. The recent ceasefire in Gaza involves the release of around 20 living Israeli hostages by Hamas and the freedom of approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including individuals detained without charge over the past two years.
The prisoner list mainly comprises Hamas and Fatah members arrested in the 2000s for various violent activities against Israelis. The releases hold significance for both Israelis, who view the prisoners as terrorists, and Palestinians, who see them as political detainees or freedom fighters resisting decades of occupation.
One of the prisoners to be released is Iyad Abu al-Rub, a former Islamic Jihad commander responsible for orchestrating lethal suicide bombings in Israel. Notably, Samir Abu Naama, a Fatah member arrested in 1986 at the age of 64, and Mohammed Abu Qatish, arrested at 16 in 2022, are among those set to be freed.
Hamas has long sought Barghouti’s release, seeing him as crucial for ending conflicts with Israel. His potential to lead and unify Palestinians has made him a prominent figure in the region. Despite his imprisonment, Barghouti continues to garner significant support within Palestinian territories, challenging the authority of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Barghouti’s release could have far-reaching implications on Palestinian politics, potentially reshaping the landscape and strengthening Palestinian institutions. The Israeli government’s reluctance to free Barghouti reflects its concerns about his influence and the implications his release could have on the political dynamics in the region.