Israel Stands Firm: No Freedom for Terror Convict And Prominent Palestinian Leader Marwan Barghouti In Gaza Ceasefire Swap

Israel doesn't intend to release Marwan Barghouti, the most popular and potentially unifying Palestinian leader, as part of the latest Gaza ceasefire prisoner exchange, reported The Associated Press.

The deal involves freeing about 20 alive Israeli hostages by Monday (13 October) in return for the release of roughly 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees held without charge.

Senior member of the Palestinian terror group Hamas Mousa Abu Marzouk has reportedly said that the outfit insists on the release of Barghouti and other high-profile figures and continues to discuss the matter with mediators.

However, Israel’s list of prisoners, posted on its official website Friday, excludes Barghouti and other major political figures.

Convicted in 2004 for attacks that killed five people, Barghouti is serving multiple life sentences. Israel views him as a terrorist leader, but many Palestinians allegedly regard him as their own Nelson Mandela — a symbol of unity and resistance.

Analysts say Israel fears Barghouti’s political influence more than his past actions, as he supports a two-state solution while defending armed resistance.

Hamas has repeatedly demanded his release in past negotiations, but Israel has refused, citing concerns that freed leaders could return to terrorism — as seen with Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas chief released in 2011 who later planned the 2023 Gaza assault.

Polls show Barghouti, 66, remains the most popular Palestinian figure and a potential successor to President Mahmoud Abbas.

Born in Kobar village in 1959, he led student protests, organised during the First Intifada, and later headed Fatah in the West Bank before his arrest.

Barghouti continues to command respect across political factions. Analysts say both Israel and Abbas fear his release could unite Palestinians and strengthen demands for statehood.

Barghouti was last seen in August when Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a prison video warning that Israel would confront anyone who acts against the country and wipe them out.

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