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Marwan Barghouti, known as the “Palestinian Mandela,” is still one of the most influential figures in Palestine’s political scene. Though he has been locked away for more than 20 years, his legacy continues to live on. Barghouti is serving five life sentences for the murder of five Israeli civilians in terrorist attacks during the second Intifada. In 2004, an Israeli court found him guilty of these crimes. His imprisonment has not diminished his impact. He remains a potent source of hope and negotiation for most Palestinians, even for Fatah and Hamas, able to help them transcend narrower sectarian desires.
This is how one international observer described Barghouti’s trial in 2004. They recommended that Barghouti be involved in any solution to long-term peace in the Middle East. The observer’s formal report stressed Barghouti’s appeal as a unifying leader. He has the vision to bridge divides in Palestinian society and drive dialogues forward with Israel. This claim aligns itself beautifully with his image as perhaps the best known and most popular Palestinian leader today. Statewide poll after poll of public opinion supports this reality.
Yet even in the sometimes treacherous waters of Palestinian politics, Barghouti’s leadership qualities have been thoroughly commended. The New York Times described him in the 1990s as a “young, charismatic and energetic” member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. In his short time in office, he’s earned people’s respect and support from across the political spectrum. Both Fatah and Hamas understand just how powerful he is. Hamas tried unsuccessfully multiple times to get Barghouti included in other prisoner swap deals with Israel. These efforts have failed thus far.
Indeed, recent political polling indicates that Barghouti would win a head-to-head election against Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. He’d win this victory by a wide margin. This popularity reflects an increasing mood of resistance among the Palestinian public. They see Barghouti as the only credible leader strong enough to negotiate peace with Israel on acceptable terms.
Barghouti has publicly expressed his willingness for a two-state solution, emphasizing that he recognizes Israel on 78% of historic Palestine. To be sure, he is adamantly against the targeting of civilians within Israel. He argues that his aim is not the elimination of the state, but to realize a peaceful coexistence between two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine.
“A two-state solution is only possible if you have a good leader and Marwan Barghouti will be the right leader for it.” – Ron Lauder
Yet Barghouti’s road to leadership is anything but clear-cut. Today, although still immensely popular, his continued incarceration brings into question the future of his political aspirations. Reports from his family indicate he was beaten by Israeli prison guards last month while being transferred between facilities, raising concerns about his treatment and conditions while incarcerated.
Equally problematic are the legal proceedings that led to Barghouti’s conviction. Of the 100 witnesses called to testify against him, only about one in five were deemed credible enough to provide direct testimony regarding his alleged involvement in attacks. This calls into question the fairness of his trial and the legitimacy of the charges against him.
Despite these challenges, Barghouti’s supporters claim that he represents the leadership and vision that Palestine needs in order to move forward. Ami Ayalon, a former head of Israel’s Shin Bet security service, stated that he believes Barghouti is “the only leader who can lead Palestinians to a state alongside Israel.” Those endorsements just further confirm a deepening belief that Barghouti could be the key to ending decades of intractable conflict in the region.