This chapter unpacks the challenges and emotional turmoil surrounding a potential prisoner exchange involving a man convicted of attacks in Tel Aviv, triggering demands for his release by Hamas. It delves into the complexities and fears within Israeli society, highlighting the deteriorating conditions for prisoners like Mahwan Baruti, while exploring the potential for a released leader to unify Palestine and negotiate peace with Israel.
Twenty-two years ago, Palestinian politician-turned-revolutionary Marwan Barghouti was convicted of acts of terrorism and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in an Israeli prison. Now, there’s a chance he could be released. Barghouti is at the top of Hamas’s list of prisoners they want exchanged for the hostages they took on October 7th. And Palestinians overwhelmingly want him to lead them. The Economist's Nicolas Pelham asks who is Marwan Barghouti and could he be the man who will lead Palestine?
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