Israeli Minister's Direct Threat to Jailed Palestinian Leader Draws Widespread Condemnation
Itamar Ben-Gvir's confrontation with Marwan Barghouti, including a threat to "obliterate" Palestinians, is labeled a "clear violation of all red lines."
Occupied Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In a dramatic incident captured on camera, Israel's extremist minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the solitary confinement cell of Marwan Barghouti, a unifying and popular Palestinian political leader imprisoned since 2002. Surrounded by guards, Ben-Gvir directly threatened a shackled and visibly distressed 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," Ben-Gvir told Barghouti.
This confrontation has triggered widespread condemnation from Palestinian groups and officials. Hamas has labeled Ben-Gvir's actions as "criminal behaviour" and a "cowardly display," asserting that it exposes the "occupation's fascism." Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq viewed the remarks as a sign of Israel's failures in the ongoing campaign in Gaza.
Raed Abu al-Hummus, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ and Ex-Prisoners’ Affairs Commission, stated that Ben-Gvir's arrival at Barghouti's cell was a "direct threat to his life." He described the act as a "public" threat and a "dangerous indicator of the intentions concealed by this troubled racist." Abu al-Hummus added that for Ben-Gvir "to dare to attack a leader of the stature of Abu al-Qassam is a clear violation of all red lines," and expressed concern for Barghouti's life. He has called on Palestinians and international bodies to take immediate action to protect Barghouti.
The Barghouti family has also voiced grave concerns for his safety, fearing he could be executed in his cell.
Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences, is a significant figure in Palestinian politics and is widely seen as a potential leader for unifying divided factions. The article also notes that a UN special rapporteur has stated that the torture of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails has become "widespread" and "systematic" since October 7, 2023. (PW)
Source: PressTv