From the Liveblog of
Saturday, December 21, 2024
PM’s office denies reports that Marwan Barghouti will be released in hostage deal
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Responding to a media report that Palestinian security prisoner Marwan Barghouti’s family recently visited Qatar to discuss his release to Turkey as part of a hostage deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issues a statement declaring, “the terrorist Marwan Barghouti will not be released if and when a deal is made to release the hostages.
Hamas has reportedly demanded the release of the top Fatah figure and jailed Intifada leader as part of the hostage deal with Israel.
Barghouti is serving five life sentences in an Israeli prison for his part in planning three terror attacks that killed five Israelis during the Second Intifada.
Barghouti, 64, is often touted as one of the top candidates to succeed octogenarian Mahmoud Abbas as leader of the Palestinian Authority. He is especially favored by the younger generation, who perceive him as untainted by the PA’s corruption and collaboration with Israel.
The Times of Israel Community.