
Hamas Demands Release of Marwan Barghouti in Emerging Hostage Deal
As ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar, Hamas is reportedly demanding the release of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences for terrorist activities. Israeli officials maintain his name has not yet been formally presented in the talks.
Barghouti is considered a unifying figure among Palestinians, and sources suggest Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar personally promised his wife to secure his release. Officials believe Barghouti could lead the PLO from exile and draw parallels to Yasser Arafat.
The current truce proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, release of Israeli hostages, and phased returns of Palestinian prisoners. Israel remains cautious, citing Barghouti's past involvement in deadly attacks.
Barghouti's last media appearance was during a 2017 hunger strike in an Israeli prison. Despite his conviction, his popularity remains high among Palestinians. (YNN/VFI News)
“Dear Lord, we continue to pray for the release of the hostages who are still in Gaza. We ask for the negotiations to be fruitful and that no terrorists with blood on their hands be released, including Marwan Barghouti.”