Hamas is demanding the release of prominent Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison as the terror group scrambles to find a replacement for Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7 massacre who was killed in an Israeli strike.
The Lebanon-based Al-Akhbar newspaper reports that Hamas has placed Barghouti's release at the center of ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations with Israel, despite fierce Israeli opposition to freeing the convicted terrorist leader.
Barghouti, currently serving five life sentences for murders committed during the second intifada, has emerged as a key figure in Hamas's post-war planning. Intelligence sources say the demand reflects Hamas's recognition that it will lose direct control over Gaza.
The 64-year-old Fatah leader's journey from peace advocate to terrorist commander began near Ramallah. After supporting the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, he turned to organizing terror attacks following the 2000 Camp David Summit's collapse.
Israeli security forces arrested Barghouti in 2002. He was subsequently convicted of orchestrating five murders, receiving five life sentences plus 40 years for attempted murder and conspiracy. Despite his imprisonment, he has maintained significant influence in Palestinian politics.
Hamas is also demanding the release of at least 100 additional security prisoners serving life sentences. The proposed prisoner exchange would occur within a broader ceasefire framework spanning 6-8 weeks.
Under the initial phase, Hamas would free 20 Israeli hostages, including several dual citizens. American nationals would receive priority in the releases. Israel would increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, allowing 400 trucks daily with fuel for hospitals and essential services.
The framework envisions subsequent negotiations over Israeli military personnel held captive in Gaza and the return of deceased hostages' remains. These talks would address the release of additional Palestinian prisoners, including those arrested after October 7.
Sources close to the negotiations say the initial two-week ceasefire could be extended by an additional month, though significant obstacles remain as both sides navigate leadership changes amid ongoing hostilities.
Will Israel release him?
Hamas demanded that Bargohuti be released during the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, but Israel point blank refused.
Here's why releasing him would be so disastrous for Israel:
First, Barghouti has a proven track record of transitioning from peace advocate to violent resistance leader. After initially supporting the Oslo Accords, he became a key figure in both the First and Second Intifadas. His ability to shift between diplomatic and militant strategies makes him particularly dangerous as a potential future Palestinian leader, which is probably why Hamas needs him now.
But Perhaps most alarming is Barghouti's sustained political influence despite his imprisonment. He maintains significant sway within Fatah, successfully mediating between Hamas and Fatah in 2007 and winning election to Fatah's leadership in 2009 from behind bars. Polling in 2012 showed 60% of Palestinians would vote for him as president of the Palestinian Authority, surpassing both Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
His release could unify currently fragmented Palestinian factions. Given his credibility with both Fatah and Hamas and his history of mediating between them, Barghouti could potentially bridge the gap between different Palestinian groups, creating a more coordinated opposition to Israel.
Furthermore, his dual image as both a resistance figure and political leader makes him particularly effective at mobilizing popular support. He has demonstrated this ability by organizing mass protests and directing militant activities, combining political acumen with tactical experience in leading violent resistance.
Recent efforts by his wife Fadwa to position him as Abbas's successor, including meetings with international diplomats, suggest a coordinated campaign to establish him as a future Palestinian leader. His release could accelerate this process, potentially installing a convicted terrorist orchestrator in a key leadership position.
Considering the pressure that is being put on Netanyahu by left-wing Israelis and the Hostage Families forum, it's not impossible to envision that Israel might actually free him.
Jewish Breaking News contributed to this article.
