"Financial Times": The occupation refuses to release Marwan Barghouti for fear of his political influence.

A detailed report highlighted the continued detention of prominent Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, following the occupation's refusal to release him as part of the recent prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

The prisoner and detainee exchange took place under a ceasefire agreement that ended a devastating two-year war in the Gaza Strip.

Although Barghouti's name was at the top of the list of important figures requested by Hamas to complete the deal, the occupation insisted on excluding him from the final lists of those to be released.

Barghouti (66 years old) is serving five life sentences since his arrest in 2002 for his alleged role in the second intifada and leading armed organizations.

Barghouti has become a political symbol widely respected and unifying various Palestinian factions, as he is seen as a leader capable of bringing together the Palestinian ranks.

The newspaper quoted officials in the occupation government stating that the refusal to release significant figures like Barghouti stems from fears that their influence would increase incitement.

The report noted that Barghouti's detention conditions have significantly worsened since the escalation of aggression against Gaza in October 2023.

Despite these harsh conditions, Barghouti continued his activities inside the prison, organizing educational classes and encouraging detainees to pursue remote studies.

The newspaper confirmed that the case of Marwan Barghouti remains central in the Palestinian political scene and for the occupation.