Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner held by Israel since 2002, has appeared on video for the first time in years. The clip, posted by Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, shows Barghouti being berated in his prison cell.
Barghouti, 66, is serving five consecutive life sentences after being convicted of helping plan attacks on civilians during a Palestinian uprising. He is considered a unifying figure for many Palestinians and is sought by Hamas in hostage exchanges.
The video, which has been circulating widely in Israel, shows Barghouti as a gaunt, white-haired man who appears nearly unrecognizable from his former self. His lawyer, Khader Shkirat, confirmed that the figure in the video is indeed his client.
Ben-Gvir’s comments in the video are seen as a threat by many, and Shkirat has appealed to the US, Qatar, and Egypt for protection of Barghouti from assassination. Despite being excluded from previous prisoner exchanges, Shkirat believes Barghouti will be freed.
The release of Barghouti is seen as a priority by Hamas, with officials saying he is the group’s top prisoner demand in talks with Israel. The Israeli government has refused to release him, citing concerns about security and terrorism.
Ben-Gvir, who has been accused of inciting violence against Palestinians, has a history of stoking outrage and has openly expressed support for Jewish settlements in defiance of international law.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/16/g-s1-83121/marwan-barghouti-video-famous-palestinian-prisoner