The top Palestinian figure, Marwan Barghouti, who has significant popularity and potential for unity, is not included in Israel’s plan to release prisoners in exchange for Hamas-held hostages under the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. Israel has refused to release other prominent prisoners demanded by Hamas, although the final list of approximately 250 prisoners issued by the Israeli government’s official website remains unclear.
Hamas is adamant about securing the release of Barghouti and other high-profile individuals and is engaging in discussions with mediators, according to senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk speaking to Al Jazeera TV. Israel considers Barghouti a terrorist leader, serving multiple life sentences since his 2004 conviction for involvement in fatal attacks in Israel.
Despite Israel’s stance, some experts believe Barghouti poses a threat due to his support for a two-state solution while advocating armed resistance against occupation, as he could emerge as a significant Palestinian rallying point. The ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal of troops from Gaza have triggered the process of releasing around 20 Israeli hostages by Hamas by Monday. Israel is set to release approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners serving sentences and around 1,700 individuals detained in Gaza without charges over the past two years.
The prisoner releases hold deep significance for both sides, with Israelis viewing the prisoners as terrorists linked to violent acts, while many Palestinians perceive them as political detainees or freedom fighters resisting prolonged military oppression. The majority of prisoners on Israel’s list belong to Hamas and Fatah factions, arrested during the 2000s for involvement in attacks against Israeli civilians, settlers, and soldiers.
During the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, a period marked by a violent Palestinian uprising against continued occupation despite peace negotiations, the conflict escalated with numerous casualties on both sides. Notable prisoners scheduled for release include Iyad Abu al-Rub, an Islamic Jihad commander responsible for orchestrating suicide bombings, and Samir Abu Naama, a Fatah member arrested in 1986 for planting explosives.
Hamas has long pushed for Barghouti’s release, considering him a potential unifying figure and successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Barghouti’s popularity and leadership qualities have been evident through his actions, such as leading hunger strikes and engaging in political initiatives while in prison. His release could potentially impact Palestinian institutions and Israeli political dynamics.
Despite facing accusations and imprisonment for his alleged involvement in armed activities, Barghouti has maintained a strong following and credibility among Palestinians. His release could pose a challenge to the status quo, particularly for Israel’s right-wing government, which opposes moves towards Palestinian statehood.