The son of esteemed Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti has expressed deep concerns for his father’s well-being in Israeli detention facilities, following reports of alleged mistreatment by prison guards. In a recent interview with USA Zine, Arab Barghouti emphasized that his father is being targeted by Israeli authorities due to his significant influence and unifying role among Palestinians.
According to Arab, the accusations stem from witness testimonies received from individuals detained during the recent escalation in Gaza. These accounts claim that Barghouti was subjected to violence by prison staff in mid-September while being transferred between facilities. This incident reportedly marks the fourth assault on him since the onset of the conflict in October 2023.
Arab Barghouti articulated the family’s fears for his father’s life, stating that Israeli authorities view him as a threat to their political agenda due to his ability to galvanize support for Palestinian unity. Barghouti, a prominent member of Fatah, the leading political faction within the Palestinian Authority (PA), has been under Israeli custody since the early 2000s, serving five life sentences along with an additional 40 years on charges he continues to deny.
A recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research indicated that Barghouti remains the most popular Palestinian leader, outperforming notable figures such as Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and PA President Mahmoud Abbas. This strong public support underscores his influential role in Palestinian political life, further highlighting the significance of his ongoing detention.
Despite calls from the Palestinian community to include Barghouti in a recent ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israeli authorities opted not to release him. The agreement resulted in the liberation of 250 Palestinian prisoners but did not extend to Barghouti, amid rising concerns from his family and supporters regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees.
Other released prisoners have corroborated the claims of violence, with testimony indicating systematic abuse, including severe beatings during prison transfers. Reports have also surfaced alleging serious injuries to Barghouti, including broken ribs, which the Israel Prison Service has contested, maintaining their operations comply with legal standards.
Arab Barghouti highlighted the gravity of threats facing his father, including a recent confrontation with far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who allegedly threatened violence against Barghouti. The family continues to seek intervention from international bodies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to ensure Barghouti’s safety while in custody.
Arab’s statements reveal a compelling narrative of resilience amidst ongoing challenges, advocating for stability and peace within the Palestinian community. “My father wants to foster a consensus vision for Palestinians that emphasizes peace and dialogue,” he remarked, illustrating the aspirations shared by many for a harmonious future.
As the situation unfolds, the Barghouti family’s plight emphasizes the urgent need for a renewed commitment to dialogue and reconciliation in the region.
#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews