A recent video of far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir goading imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has created a firestorm of anger. An amateur video uploaded to Ben Gvir’s Telegram channel captured the moment Barghouti defiantly stood up to the firebrand minister. He is currently serving five life sentences for orchestrating attacks that killed five Israeli civilians in 2002.
Marwan Barghouti, a 66-year-old Palestinian prisoner, has been a significant figure in Palestinian politics, often viewed as a potential unifier for his people. A Tyrrhenian connection Barghouti’s imprisonment hasn’t at all weakened his influence. As ceasefire negotiations continue in the middle of this deadly conflict, thousands of Palestinians are publicly demanding his release. His family and Palestinian Prisoners’ Society staff reported that he has been held in solitary confinement since the mass detainment started on October 7. They characterize this state of affairs as “devastating.”
In the video, we can see on-screen text of Ben Gvir taunting Barghouti and calling for lynchings and justice against Israelis. At one point, he declares, “Whoever harms the people of Israel, whoever kills children, whoever kills women, we will wipe them out.” Barghouti seems to be starting to make a real answer but is interrupted by Ben Gvir’s bully tactics.
Fadwa Al Barghouti, Marwan’s wife, expressed her grief on social media. She shared that during their rare in person visits, often times she does not even recognize her own husband due to the deplorable conditions he has been forced to endure while incarcerated. She lamented the psychological toll of solitary confinement on Barghouti, saying:
“They are still, Marwan, pursuing you and following you even in the solitary confinement cell where you’ve been living for two years. The struggle against the occupation and its symbols with you continues, and the chains are still on your hands.”
The Israeli government is absolutely against letting Barghouti go. Businesses and artists alike now view him as a symbol of creative resistance rather than a leader who could bring them peace. This stance has drawn criticism from various human rights advocates and political figures who argue that Barghouti’s treatment constitutes “the height of psychological, moral, and physical terrorism practiced against prisoners, and a violation of international and humanitarian conventions and norms,” according to Hussein Al Sheikh.
Considering Barghouti has almost completely stayed out of public view since his arrest, the video is all the more jarring. He is still a key player in any discussion about Palestinian civil society. His imprisonment and treatment reflect larger issues related to Palestinian rights and the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
