Growing Concerns for Marwan Barghouti's Safety
Palestinian factions have voiced serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent political figure currently incarcerated in an Israeli prison. These concerns were amplified after Barghouti's son, Qassam Barghouti, shared alarming allegations of torture inflicted upon his father by Israeli prison guards.
Qassam Barghouti initially posted on Facebook about the alleged abuse, detailing claims of severe beatings that left his father "physically shattered," including broken ribs, teeth, and a cut ear. He later deleted the post, stating that he was attempting to verify the information through official channels. The origin of the information was reportedly a call from someone identifying as a Palestinian prisoner using an Israeli phone number.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless propaganda intended to discredit its staff. In a statement to The Times of Israel, an IPS spokesperson labeled the claims a "total lie."
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, an organization representing Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, condemned what it described as a deliberate act of intimidation against Barghouti's family. They asserted that this incident further intensifies their worries about Barghouti's safety and represents a continuation of policies designed to psychologically pressure the families of prisoners.
Ofer Cassif, a member of the Israeli Knesset from the Hadash-Ta'al party, stated that he had contacted Barghouti's family regarding the reports. He expressed hope that the allegations were merely intimidation tactics and not factual. "The family very much hopes that this is just intimidation and that the information is not true. They are waiting to hear from his lawyer about his condition," Cassif posted on social media.
Background and Context
Marwan Barghouti, a leading figure in the Fatah movement, has been imprisoned since 2002 and is serving multiple life sentences for his alleged role in attacks during the Second Intifada. He is widely regarded by Palestinians as a symbol of resistance and a potential leader of a future Palestinian state. His supporters often compare him to Nelson Mandela.
Recently, an international campaign, supported by figures like Margaret Atwood and Javier Bardem, has been launched to advocate for Barghouti's release, highlighting concerns about his deteriorating health and treatment in prison.
The Palestinian presidency has also condemned what it describes as continuous attacks and retaliatory measures against Barghouti, holding the Israeli government responsible for his safety and the safety of all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Broader Concerns About Palestinian Prisoners
Concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have escalated since the start of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023. Reports have emerged of increased violence, denial of family visits, and deteriorating conditions within the prisons.
According to Palestinian prisoner rights organizations, over 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including a significant number held under administrative detention without charge or trial. These organizations, along with international human rights groups, have raised concerns about the use of torture, medical negligence, and other forms of abuse against Palestinian prisoners.
The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas led to the release of some Palestinian prisoners, but many remain incarcerated. Accounts from released prisoners detail harsh treatment and deteriorating conditions within the prisons. One released prisoner reported that Israeli forces would conduct "barbaric" raids in the prisons each week, severely beating Palestinian detainees.
Several organizations have documented the deaths of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, raising questions about the causes of death and the adequacy of medical care provided. Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has accused Israeli authorities of “systematic killings and coverups” regarding the deaths of Palestinian prisoners.
- As of November 2025, more than 9,300 Palestinian prisoners are being held in Israeli prisons.
- At least 94 Palestinian prisoners and detainees have died in Israeli prisons since October 2023.
