Marwan Barghouti: The Man Who Can Unite Divided Palestinians

There are many theories about the role of the individual in shaping history. But it was Russian philosopher Georgy Plekhanov who most effectively explained how historical processes and individual influence balance each other.

Today, that balance is reflected in the case of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, whose release has been publicly expressed by US President Donald Trump.

Middle East Eye has published an analytical article on this.

Trump’s comments have once again brought into the spotlight the role of Barghouti, who has long been considered a symbol of unity and leadership in Palestinian politics.

Barghouti was a candidate in the presidential election that ended in a victory for Mahmoud Abbas two decades ago, but withdrew on the advice of colleagues. He wanted to run in the 2021 election as well, but the vote was canceled. According to political analysts, the Palestinian Authority postponed the vote out of fear that he would win.

Barghouti, a symbol of unity

Barghouti is not just a prisoner; despite spending a third of his life in prison, he has carved out a unique position in Palestinian politics. Despite his many years in prison, he has become a symbol of Palestinian unity—a reality where division is the main reality of politics.

His moral fortitude, lifelong struggle and intellectual depth have made him a leader who knows how to reconcile ideals with reality in the issue of freedom and justice.

A portrait of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, imprisoned on a section of the Israeli security fence in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. The picture was taken on December 24, 2024. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP)
“The homeland is an eternal value, and the state is its political expression. It is possible to hold multiple identities at the same time—we must teach our people that.”

This view has earned him the nickname “Palestinian Mandela.” Just as Yasser Arafat's keffiyeh became a symbol of Palestinian identity, Barghouti today is a symbol of resistance and peace.

Peace and resistance—a fusion of two trends

Barghouti is a leader who knows how to fight for a just peace, and does not shy away from leading the resistance in times of oppression. Just as he saw the possibility of peace through the Oslo Accords, he led the Second Intifada when hope was dashed.

Politically, he is the only person who, like Arafat, can unite the Palestinians behind a political path.

Jealousy amid divided politics

Even during his long imprisonment, Barghouti has inspired people's trust and hope. But his popularity has created jealousy among many leaders. The hunger strike that he and his fellow prisoners began in 2017 was also opposed by some sections of the Palestinian Authority.

Fellow prisoner Abdelkader Badawi, who studied under Barghouti, said, “Some leaders have actively tried to prevent his release because they will never be able to compete with him.”

Israel’s fears

Israel’s hard right is uncompromising about Barghouti’s release. They fear that if Barghouti is released, it will reduce the internal division in Palestine, which Israel has long wanted to maintain.

According to analysts, Netanyahu’s government has adopted a strategy of keeping Palestinian politics divided for two decades. Because a united Palestine means a strong political opponent for Israel.

But what Israel does not understand is that if this division deepens, countless unorganized armed groups will emerge, which will engage in violence without any political control.

Prospects for Peace

In this context, the release of a unifying leader like Barghouti may be necessary not only for the sake of peace in Palestine, but also for peace in Israel and the entire region.

Just as his leadership was the only way to negotiate peace under Arafat, Barghouti can now take that role.

His continued imprisonment will not only harm the Palestinians, but will also be a major obstacle to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.