Fatah Leadership and Marwan Barghouti

With the talks between Hamas and Fatah still in turmoil and Obama wanting to push ahead with the Israeli/Palestinian peace process, there are calls and increased support to release the one man who is known to be able to unite the two sides and unify the Palestinian position. His name is Marwan Barghouti.

Despite being currently held in an Israeli prison for being behind a chain of terrorist attacks that killed hundreds of Israelis, the calls and support are being more loudly heard amongst the Israeli camp and the Knesset. Why? Because "Barghouti can probably deliver the goods and strengthen the moderate current, that supports a diplomatic solution and an accord with Israel" said Minority Affairs Minister, Avishay Braverman.

n 2004 Barghouti was tried for his involvement in terror attacks during the second intifada. He was sentenced to five life sentences for the murders of four Israelis and a Greek monk, and given an addition 40 years for an attempted murder.

However, Barghouti is seen as a relatively moderate force in the Palestinian leadership. In 2006 Barghouti was involved in shaping what became known as 'the Palestinian Prisoners' Document,' which called for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. It was signed by prisoners representing of all major Palestinian factions including Hamas. He is a charismatic figure who holds the respect of both major parties as well as the majority of Palestinians on the street. Whether he will be the main chip to be exchanged in return for Gilad Shalit however remains to be seen.


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