Marwan Barghouti Seen on Video for the First Time in Years

Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has been seen for the first time in years in a newly released video.

The footage shows the far-left Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visiting Barghouti’s solitary confinement cell and delivering a menacing warning: “You will not win. Whoever targets the people of Israel … will be erased.” The brief but intense clip captured Barghouti looking visibly frail and unrecognizable, dressed in a plain white T-shirt and surrounded by cameras and prison guards. 

The release of the footage has sparked widespread condemnation. Hussein Al-Sheikh, Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, condemned the act as “psychological, moral and physical terrorism.” Meanwhile, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry labeled Ben-Gvir’s actions as “organized state terrorism” and demanded urgent intervention from international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

Barghouti’s wife, Fadwa, voiced her anguish, stating she could barely recognize her husband in the video: “I didn’t recognise you or your features, but you remain free despite everything.” She highlighted his physical decline after spending years in solitary confinement and reiterated his unbroken spirit: “the shackles are on your hands, but I know your spirit and determination … you will remain free.” 

As a senior Fatah figure and widely popular Palestinian leader—often compared to Nelson Mandela—Barghouti remains a potential successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. Despite being sentenced in 2004 to five life terms,  a conviction he denies, his release continues to be a key point in hostage negotiations.

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