Marwan Barghouti, a former Fatah chief imprisoned in Israel for 25 years, is venerated as a symbol of resistance yet remains behind bars amid political deadlock.
Captive Leader: Five Life Sentences
Marwan Barghouti, ex‑Fatah head in the West Bank, has spent more than two decades in an Israeli prison. He received five consecutive life sentences for planning attacks during the Second Intifada that killed five civilians. The politician has continually denied the charges and refused to recognize the Israeli court’s legitimacy.
Icon of Unity: The “Palestinian Mandela”
Despite long imprisonment, Barghouti remains one of the most popular Palestinian politicians. In many eyes he is the “Palestinian Nelson Mandela,” a figure who could unite fractured factions and restore hope for a Palestinian state. Public opinion surveys suggest he could win up to 60% of the vote if presidential elections were held.
Hamas Demands Release in Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas is insisting on Barghouti’s release as part of ceasefire talks in the Gaza Strip. For Israel it would be an unacceptable step. Netanyahu rejects the possibility, seeing him as a “symbol of resistance” and potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas, the waning leader of the Palestinian Authority.