Israel has decided not to release Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader, as part of the prisoner exchange with Hamas under the new Gaza ceasefire agreement. Despite the issuance of a list containing approximately 250 prisoners by the Israeli government, the inclusion of Barghouti and other high-profile individuals sought by Hamas remains uncertain.
Hamas officials, including Mousa Abu Marzouk, have emphasized the importance of securing the release of Barghouti and other prominent figures in ongoing discussions with mediators. However, Israel views Barghouti as a terrorist leader due to his involvement in attacks in Israel that resulted in casualties, leading to his current incarceration serving multiple life sentences.
The exchange will involve Hamas releasing around 20 Israeli hostages by Monday, while Israel will free about 250 Palestinian prisoners serving sentences, in addition to approximately 1,700 individuals apprehended from Gaza over the past two years without charge. The release of these prisoners holds symbolic significance for both Israelis, who view them as terrorists responsible for attacks, and many Palestinians, who consider them political prisoners resisting prolonged military occupation.
The list of prisoners to be released includes members of Hamas and the Fatah faction arrested in the 2000s for various violent activities against Israeli civilians, settlers, and soldiers during the Second intifada. Among those to be freed is Iyad Abu al-Rub, an Islamic Jihad commander involved in orchestrating deadly suicide bombings, and Samir Abu Naama, a Fatah member convicted of planting explosives in 1986.
Notably, Hamas has long advocated for Barghouti’s release, considering him a potential unifying figure and a successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Barghouti’s popularity among Palestinians stems from his advocacy for a two-state solution and his perceived ability to lead effectively. Despite his imprisonment, Barghouti has demonstrated leadership qualities by organizing hunger strikes and showing a willingness to engage with various Palestinian factions and reach out to Israelis for peace.
Experts suggest that Barghouti’s release could potentially strengthen Palestinian institutions and pose a threat to Israel’s right-wing government, which opposes moves towards Palestinian statehood. While Israel has resisted releasing Barghouti in previous negotiations, his freedom could have significant implications for the Palestinian political landscape and the pursuit of peace in the region.