Hamas Demands Release of Marwan Barghouti in Hostage Negotiations

The Palestinian militant group seeks the freedom of the high-profile prisoner, seen as a potential future Palestinian president, amid tense cease-fire talks.

Hamas has demanded the release of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah leader serving life sentences for his role in the Second Intifada, as part of a hostage deal with Israel.
Barghouti, often compared to Nelson Mandela, remains a unifying figure in Palestinian politics and is viewed as a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to any disadvantageous hostage deal, emphasizing that Israel will not release thousands of terrorists.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and the capture of hostages, intensifying the need for a resolution.
International mediators continue efforts to negotiate a cease-fire, with Barghouti's release being a central issue in the discussions.