Israel Refuses Hamas’ Demand to Free Palestine’s Most Popular Leader Marwan Barghouti
Under the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israeli forces are set to withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas has agreed to release 20 surviving Israeli hostages. Reports suggest that the release of the hostages could begin as early as Monday. However, Israel has made it clear that it will not release Palestine’s most prominent political figure, Marwan Barghouti, despite repeated demands from Hamas.
Barghouti, a highly influential Palestinian leader, will not be among the prisoners Israel plans to release under the terms of the ceasefire. Hamas has long insisted on his freedom, viewing him as a central figure in Palestinian politics, but Israel remains firm in its decision to keep him incarcerated. The Israeli government’s stance extends to other high-profile prisoners as well, none of whom are slated for release apart from those specified under the agreement.
On Friday, Israel officially published a list of 250 prisoners who are expected to be released. It remains uncertain whether this list is final. Top Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouq emphasized that the group continues to negotiate with mediators for Barghouti’s release, along with other prominent figures. From Israel’s perspective, Barghouti is considered a terrorist leader; he is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2004 attacks that resulted in the deaths of five Israelis.
Marwan Barghouti enjoys immense popularity among Palestinians, who often regard him as a symbol of resistance and resilience. While he supports armed resistance against Israeli occupation, he has also expressed support for a two-state solution. Many Palestinians have drawn parallels between Barghouti and Nelson Mandela, highlighting his stature as a figure of political significance. Israel’s refusal to release him reflects the sensitive and complex nature of his role in the ongoing conflict.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners, alongside approximately 1,700 individuals who have been held without charge over the past two years. Many of these prisoners were detained for nearly two decades and are affiliated with Hamas and Fatah factions. Media reports indicate that following their release, most will be required to live in exile outside Gaza or the Palestinian territories.
Among those to be freed is Iyad Abu al-Rab, an Islamic Jihad commander convicted for orchestrating suicide attacks in Israel between 2003 and 2005, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people. The oldest prisoner slated for release is 64-year-old Samir Abu Nama, a Fatah member arrested in 1986 for planting explosives in Israel. The youngest is Mohammed Abu Qateesh, who was only 16 years old when arrested in 2022 for stabbing an Israeli citizen.
While the release of these prisoners marks a significant step in the ceasefire process, Israel’s refusal to free Marwan Barghouti underscores the ongoing tensions and the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution. Hamas continues to negotiate, emphasizing the release of high-profile figures as a key priority, while Israel maintains a firm stance, citing security concerns and Barghouti’s involvement in past attacks.
