Alarm Over Marwan Barghouti’s Safety in Israeli Custody

Palestinian groups have voiced serious concerns over the well-being of Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political leader, following reports from his family suggesting he may be subjected to mistreatment in an Israeli prison. The alarm escalated after Barghouti’s son, Qassam Barghouti, publicly shared on social media that he received a call alleging that Israeli prison authorities were torturing his father, though he later deleted the post, stating that he was attempting to verify information about his father’s health.

According to Qassam Barghouti, the call came from an individual claiming to be a Palestinian prisoner. The caller reportedly described severe abuse inflicted on Marwan Barghouti, including broken ribs, damaged teeth, and the partial severing of an ear. The son later added that attempts to contact the caller again had been unsuccessful.

Israel Prison Service Denies Allegations

The Israel Prison Service has strongly rejected the allegations, labeling them as “propaganda” and “completely false.” A spokesperson told The Times of Israel that the claims had no basis and were designed to misrepresent the treatment of prisoners.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society condemned the reported intimidation, emphasizing that these incidents heighten already serious concerns for Barghouti’s safety. In a statement shared on Telegram, the society accused Israeli authorities of psychologically targeting prisoner families to weaken their resolve, calling the acts “a direct continuation of organized intimidation policies against Palestinian prisoners.”

Background on Marwan Barghouti

Marwan Barghouti, a senior leader in President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah faction, has been imprisoned since 2002 and is considered by many Palestinians as a symbol of resistance, often likened to Palestine’s Nelson Mandela. He is serving five life sentences for his alleged involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada (2000–2005), charges he has consistently denied.

Earlier this week, Barghouti’s family launched the global “Free Marwan” campaign, urging his release. The campaign has attracted signatures from hundreds worldwide, including public figures such as writer Margaret Atwood and actor Javier Bardem, highlighting international concern for the 66-year-old leader.

Widening International and Domestic Reactions

Following Qassam Barghouti’s social media post, the Palestinian presidency condemned what it described as “continuous attacks and retaliatory measures” against Barghouti, holding the Israeli government fully accountable for the safety of all Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli parliament member Ofer Cassif of the Arab-majority Hadash-Ta’al party said he discussed the reports with Barghouti’s family, who expressed hope that the claims of broken teeth, ribs, and ear injuries were intimidation tactics rather than reality. “The family is waiting for official updates from his lawyer about his condition,” Cassif wrote on social media, emphasizing his wish that the allegations were merely a form of psychological harassment.

Alleged Mistreatment Amid Ongoing Conflict

Reports from Barghouti’s lawyer and released prisoners indicate that he has faced harsh conditions during his incarceration. Since the outbreak of Israel’s military actions in Gaza in October 2023, Barghouti has reportedly been denied family visits and subjected to harsh treatment, including verbal taunts from far-right Israeli officials. A video broadcast by Channel 12 in August 2025 showed National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking Barghouti in his prison cell, marking his first public appearance in years.

Palestinian leaders and activists have repeatedly called for Barghouti’s release under recent ceasefire agreements, though the Israeli government has consistently rejected such appeals. Barghouti remains a key figure in Palestinian politics, known for his capacity to unite various factions and play a role in potential statehood negotiations.

Conditions for Palestinian Prisoners

As part of the recent truce deal, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, while roughly 1,700 others detained from Gaza were also freed. Yet, many prisoners, including Barghouti, remain in Israeli custody under reportedly harsh conditions. Released detainees described weekly violent raids in Israeli prisons, highlighting continued human rights concerns.

Currently, over 9,300 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli detention facilities, with more than 3,300 under administrative detention without trial. Human rights organizations report that at least 94 Palestinian detainees have died in Israeli custody since October 2023, citing torture, medical neglect, and other human rights violations.

Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) recently accused Israeli authorities of systematic killings and coverups in prisons, emphasizing a sharp rise in fatalities compared to previous years. Additional reports from Palestinian prisoner rights organizations confirmed the deaths of three more detainees from Gaza, underscoring ongoing concerns about prisoner treatment.

International Spotlight and Call for Action

The case of Marwan Barghouti has garnered international attention, with global calls to ensure the safety of Palestinian prisoners and respect for human rights standards. The “Free Marwan” campaign continues to advocate for his release, highlighting not only his personal plight but the broader conditions faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.