It is long past time to release Marwan Barghouti

JVL Introduction

Israel has refused to release Marwan Barghouti, a Fatah leader, incarcerated with multiple life sentences plus 30 years in 2004.  His political rivals, Hamas always place him at or close to the top of their lists of prisoners to release in exchanges. If, as is often said, Marwan Barghouti is the Palestinian Mandela, then it is in everyone’s interest to release him and allow him to stand for election where all the signs are that he would win the popular vote across Palestine.  At least when he was on trial, he was committed to a two state solution and to live in peace with the Jewish citizens of Israel.

“Barghouti’s family say he has been held in solitary confinement since the 7 October attacks and has been subjected to brutal assaults, one of which left him severely injured” In August he was taunted by Itamar Ben Gvir, an action made public by Israel as this Sky News report shows. (and from which the quote from his family is taken)

This report highlights a call from “The Elders” for Barghouti to be released; the release is long overdue and his continuing incarceration is one of many demonstrations that the Israeli regime is not interested in peace with Palestinians.

LL

This article was originally published by The Guardian on Wed 29 Oct 2025. Read the original here.