The ceasefire talks aimed at ending Israel’s genocide in Gaza have led to the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 20 Israeli hostages.
But one Palestinian was absent from the list: Marwan Barghouti, who rose to prominence as a top Fatah official and is Israel’s most high-profile prisoner.
Barghouti is the most popular Palestinian politician, according to opinion polls, and is regarded as being able to command unity across Palestinian society.
But he has been imprisoned in Israel since 2002, serving five life sentences for his alleged role in murders during the Second Intifada.
Here, Middle East Eye explains Barghouti’s importance and what he could mean for the future of Palestine. ….more
