
Report: Hamas Insists on Releasing Marwan Barghouti in New Prisoner Swap Deal
SadaNews translation - Palestinian sources speaking to Yedioth Ahronoth last night reported that Hamas will insist on the release of Marwan Barghouti in the new prisoner exchange deal and does not intend to waive this condition.
According to the Hebrew site, as translated by SadaNews, Israeli sources clarified that Barghouti's name has not yet come up in the discussions, which have not yet addressed the names of the prisoners to be released.
According to one Palestinian source, the former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar personally promised Barghouti's wife that he would secure his release from prison and swore to her by the holy Quran.
The source states that the Gaza leadership considers Barghouti a "key negotiating card" that should not be abandoned.
Barghouti is a leader in the Fatah movement and enjoys widespread popularity in the West Bank and among Palestinians. Some consider him one of the candidates to lead the Palestinian Authority after President Mahmoud Abbas, the site says.
In December, an Israeli political source ruled out the possibility of releasing Barghouti in the prisoner swap being prepared at that time, and he was also not released in the last deal approximately six months ago.
The site speculated that if Barghouti is released, he may be sent to Qatar or a third country, but Palestinian sources said that Barghouti has the ability to influence even from afar.
Another Palestinian source said: "Barghouti can sit in the chair of leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, even from Qatar. He is the only figure capable of uniting the people; he reminds everyone of Yasser Arafat, with his wisdom, determination, and charisma."
In another report from the site, it stated that an expanded delegation will be sent to Doha to attempt to succeed in the ongoing negotiations regarding the prisoner exchange, noting that it will head to Qatar if U.S. envoy Steve Whitehead arrives there.
The site indicated that the large delegation could include Chief Negotiator Ron Dermer, Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea, and other figures.
It highlighted that there is cautious optimism in Israel regarding the progress indicated in some reports and even statements coming from various sources, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Although negotiations in Doha began about two weeks ago, an Israeli source stated that there are still many outstanding issues, including humanitarian aid, the deployment of the Israeli army, and how the negotiations will proceed during a ceasefire lasting 60 days. The source pointed out that no discussions have yet taken place regarding the identity of the prisoners to be released from both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that Israel would not be the one deciding who would be released as part of the deal.

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