"The political fate of Palestinians is bound to the personal fate of Marwan Barghouti. After more than two decades in an Israeli jail for murder, the charismatic 66-year-old is by far the most popular Palestinian leader, widely regarded as the only figure capable of uniting factions riven by ideology and enmity. Though a member of Fatah, Mr Barghouti has criticised abuses by the Palestinian Authority and has won respect within Hamas ranks."
"The belief that Mr Barghouti can galvanise Palestinian politics, creating the momentum for statehood and lasting peace, lies behind the new international campaign for his release, backed by figures including Paul Simon, Delia Smith, Richard Branson and Margaret Atwood, and the former world leaders known as the Elders. Critically, some from the Israeli security and political establishment agree. Mr Barghouti has long supported the two-state solution, repeatedly engaged with Israeli officials and taught himself Hebrew."
In a fragile ceasefire, killings including of children have slowed but not stopped, and Israeli military operations continue to displace hundreds of Gaza families. Aid deliveries have increased, though Israel continues to block vital supplies. Palestinians require security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction and a clear political horizon. International support for Palestinian nationhood has grown after two years of annihilation. Marwan Barghouti, imprisoned in Israel for over two decades, remains the most popular Palestinian leader and the only figure capable of uniting rival factions. A global campaign backed by prominent figures seeks his release to galvanise momentum toward statehood and lasting peace. Some Israeli security and political officials view Barghouti as a potential partner.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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