The video, featuring Ben Gvir criticizing the imprisoned Palestinian figure, raises concerns over escalating hostilities in the region.
Israeli Minister's Provocative Encounter with Palestinian Leader Ignites Tensions
Israeli Minister's Provocative Encounter with Palestinian Leader Ignites Tensions
Footage of Itamar Ben Gvir's confrontation with Marwan Barghouti draws backlash from Palestinian authorities.
In a recent incident that has provoked significant backlash, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right national security minister, was filmed taunting Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner, during a rare public appearance. The footage, which has circulated on social media, shows Ben Gvir delivering harsh remarks in Barghouti’s cell, prompting condemnation from the Palestinian Authority.
The brief 13-second clip marks Barghouti's first public appearance in years, revealing a visibly aged and emaciated figure. Ben Gvir did not hold back in his remarks, stating, "You will not win. He who messes with the people of Israel... we will wipe him out," as Barghouti attempted to respond. These comments have been interpreted as a direct act of psychological intimidation.
Barghouti, now 66, has been imprisoned by Israel for over two decades following his conviction related to orchestrating attacks that resulted in the death of five civilians. Despite his imprisonment, polls indicate that he remains a favored choice among Palestinians for leadership roles, significantly ahead of current President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leaders.
The video first emerged among Ben Gvir's supporters and is now featured on his social media account, where he unapologetically reiterated his statements. Palestinian prisoner rights organizations revealed that Barghouti has been in solitary confinement since the conflict escalated following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. They also alleged previous mistreatment, which the Israeli prison authorities have denied.
In reaction to the video's release, Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, accused the Israeli government of attempting to "eliminate" Barghouti and other influential leaders incarcerated within its prison system. It is understood that Barghouti is among the prisoners Hamas seeks to negotiate for in potential hostage exchange talks.
Throughout the video, Barghouti, fluent in Hebrew, is seen attempting to interject, but the clip concludes before he can make his point. His wife, Fadwa, encouraged supporters to focus on a specific part of the video that she feels showcases her husband’s resilience. Many Palestinians view Barghouti as a unifying political figure capable of fostering negotiations for peace with Israel.
The brief 13-second clip marks Barghouti's first public appearance in years, revealing a visibly aged and emaciated figure. Ben Gvir did not hold back in his remarks, stating, "You will not win. He who messes with the people of Israel... we will wipe him out," as Barghouti attempted to respond. These comments have been interpreted as a direct act of psychological intimidation.
Barghouti, now 66, has been imprisoned by Israel for over two decades following his conviction related to orchestrating attacks that resulted in the death of five civilians. Despite his imprisonment, polls indicate that he remains a favored choice among Palestinians for leadership roles, significantly ahead of current President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leaders.
The video first emerged among Ben Gvir's supporters and is now featured on his social media account, where he unapologetically reiterated his statements. Palestinian prisoner rights organizations revealed that Barghouti has been in solitary confinement since the conflict escalated following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. They also alleged previous mistreatment, which the Israeli prison authorities have denied.
In reaction to the video's release, Abdullah al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, accused the Israeli government of attempting to "eliminate" Barghouti and other influential leaders incarcerated within its prison system. It is understood that Barghouti is among the prisoners Hamas seeks to negotiate for in potential hostage exchange talks.
Throughout the video, Barghouti, fluent in Hebrew, is seen attempting to interject, but the clip concludes before he can make his point. His wife, Fadwa, encouraged supporters to focus on a specific part of the video that she feels showcases her husband’s resilience. Many Palestinians view Barghouti as a unifying political figure capable of fostering negotiations for peace with Israel.
