Far-right Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Filmed Threatening Prominent Palestinian Prisoner Marwan Barghouti
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stirred controversy by publicly threatening prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti, in a video that has circulated widely on social media. The footage shows an aged and gaunt-looking Barghouti, an influential figure in the Palestinian Fatah party, who has been detained by Israel since 2002.
Background and Context
Marwan Barghouti, often referred to as the Palestinian Nelson Mandela, is a senior figure in Fatah, the party that dominates the Palestinian Authority. He was targeted by Israel due to his leading role in the 2000-2005 Second Intifada and his popularity among the Palestinian people. Barghouti has been in prison since 2002, with many years spent in solitary confinement. This video marks the first time Barghouti has been seen publicly in years.
Threatening Encounter
In the video, Ben-Gvir is seen telling Barghouti, Whoever messes with the people of Israel, whoever murders our children, whoever murders our women, we will obliterate them. You will not defeat us.
This encounter has been described by Palestinian officials as an unprecedented provocation.
Reaction and Implications
The footage has sparked widespread condemnation from various sources. Barghouti's wife, Fadwa Barghouti, expressed her anguish over the toll and abuse her husband has endured during his long years in custody. She said she hardly recognized her husband due to his aged and gaunt appearance. She also lamented the fact that his inability to protect Palestinian children was deeply hurting him.
Meanwhile, Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq has denounced Ben-Gvir for his threatening behavior. He criticized the minister for confronting a shackled and isolated Barghouti, saying, "A Zionist minister gathers his army, his guards, and the blood of his state and stands before a captive leader, shackled and isolated in solitary confinement, barely able to stand, and addresses him, saying: ‘You will not triumph over us!’”
The United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described the video as disturbing,
stating that prisoners should be treated in a manner that respects their inherent dignity and abides by international law.
Current Status
The controversial video has caused strong controversies worldwide. It has also raised fears among Barghouti's family for his life, and they have expressed concern that Israel might harm him while in custody. The Israeli authorities have not yet responded to the controversy surrounding the video.