More than 200 influential figures from various fields have united behind Marwan Barghouti, a jailed Palestinian leader seen as capable of uniting warring factions and bringing hope to the long-stalled quest for establishing a Palestinian state. The prominent group, including literary giants Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman, actors Sir Ian McKellen and Benedict Cumberbatch, musicians Sting and Annie Lennox, and billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, issued an open letter calling for Barghouti's release.
Barghouti, 66, has spent 23 years behind bars after what experts described as a flawed trial. Despite being denied parole, he remains the most popular Palestinian leader, consistently topping polls as the people's choice to lead. The prolonged detention appears to be more related to his potential influence in building unity and momentum towards a two-state solution than any perceived threat to Israel's security.
However, concerns have been raised about the Israeli government's intentions. New laws are being proposed that would allow Israel to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, which could potentially include Barghouti. The recent passage of a UN resolution backing Washington's call for an international stabilisation force in Gaza has not led to a significant response from nations willing to provide troops, mainly due to fears about the force's potential entanglement in conflicts with Hamas.
Most prominent Palestinian human rights groups have also rejected the UN resolution, which Barghouti would need to navigate if released. The campaign to release Barghouti echoes the cultural movement that secured Nelson Mandela's freedom and ended apartheid in South Africa. Many notable figures, including Brian Eno and novelist Selma Dabbagh, have expressed their support for Barghouti's release.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to resist Barghouti's release unless there is significant pressure from the US. The recent visit invitation to Netanyahu by Donald Trump has set a worrying precedent, with the Israeli leader having visited the White House five times since Trump returned to office in January.
As the world watches, over 200 influential figures have come together to make their voices heard on Barghouti's behalf, highlighting the urgent need for his release and an end to what many see as Israel's continued obstruction of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian conflict.
Barghouti, 66, has spent 23 years behind bars after what experts described as a flawed trial. Despite being denied parole, he remains the most popular Palestinian leader, consistently topping polls as the people's choice to lead. The prolonged detention appears to be more related to his potential influence in building unity and momentum towards a two-state solution than any perceived threat to Israel's security.
However, concerns have been raised about the Israeli government's intentions. New laws are being proposed that would allow Israel to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, which could potentially include Barghouti. The recent passage of a UN resolution backing Washington's call for an international stabilisation force in Gaza has not led to a significant response from nations willing to provide troops, mainly due to fears about the force's potential entanglement in conflicts with Hamas.
Most prominent Palestinian human rights groups have also rejected the UN resolution, which Barghouti would need to navigate if released. The campaign to release Barghouti echoes the cultural movement that secured Nelson Mandela's freedom and ended apartheid in South Africa. Many notable figures, including Brian Eno and novelist Selma Dabbagh, have expressed their support for Barghouti's release.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to resist Barghouti's release unless there is significant pressure from the US. The recent visit invitation to Netanyahu by Donald Trump has set a worrying precedent, with the Israeli leader having visited the White House five times since Trump returned to office in January.
As the world watches, over 200 influential figures have come together to make their voices heard on Barghouti's behalf, highlighting the urgent need for his release and an end to what many see as Israel's continued obstruction of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian conflict.
- It's crazy to think about all these famous people uniting behind Marwan Barghouti, it just goes to show how much impact one person can have when they're given the chance 
. The fact that he's been stuck in jail for 23 years and still has so many people believing in him is mind-blowing 
. It's also super worrying that Israel might try to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, it could be a huge escalation of tensions 
. And can you believe Netanyahu's friendship with Trump? That's some pretty concerning stuff 
.
I mean, all these big names coming out of the woodwork for this guy Barghouti? It seems like there's more to it than just helping a fellow human being get some freedom. There's gotta be some strings attached, right? Like, what if Barghouti becomes a puppet leader or something? 
I'm not saying that's true, but you can't just dismiss the whole situation as people looking out for each other. The fact that they're all doing it at the same time... it's like a coordinated effort. And let's not forget about the Israeli government's new laws, they must be trying to send some kind of message here. What if Barghouti's release is just a way to distract us from something more sinister? 
Just thinking about it gives me the heebie-jeebies...
- what's next? Will we see a Nobel Prize winner or two in the mix? 
Anyway, 23 years is way too long for anyone to be locked up without parole... it's clear that Barghouti's just trying to bring some peace to the region 
. The Israeli government's new laws about death penalty are super concerning tho... like, what's the point of even having a fair trial if you're gonna execute someone over it? 
. It's like throwing money at a problem - it won't solve anything except maybe lining someone's pockets 
. The thing that's got me worried is what Israel's going to do if Barghouti's released. Introducing the death penalty as an option seems super extreme 
. And with Netanyahu resisting pressure from the US, it feels like the momentum for a peaceful solution is being pushed backwards 
. We need to keep pushing for change and supporting people like Barghouti who are fighting for what's right 
️. It's time for some real action 
. People are fed up with the status quo and Barghouti's release is seen as a chance for real change. The fact that it's not just about him, but about uniting the Palestinian people, is what's got everyone excited 
...
. He's been locked up for 23 yrs already, and it's clear he's not a threat to anyone 
. The fact that his case is still being dragged out is just a major red flag 
. I mean, who else has spent as much time behind bars as Barghouti? It's time for the world to take notice and demand his release 
.
. It's time for some real action, not just empty words of support 
.
? like, we get it marwan barghouti is a symbol of hope or whatever, but can't they just stick to their day jobs and leave politics to the pros 
? also, rich branson supporting barghouti's release because... why not? 
still worried about those new laws tho, death penalty on palestinian prisoners is straight outta nightmare mode 
. I mean, we're talking about people who have used their platforms for good and who care deeply about human rights. It's heartbreaking that Barghouti has been stuck in prison for so long - 23 years is an absolute scandal. The fact that he's still the most popular choice for Palestinian leader speaks volumes about how much people trust him, and it's not just about his leadership skills, but also about his character 
.
. The proposed death penalty laws are absolutely horrific, and if Barghouti were to be released, he'd have to navigate all these complex issues without even being given a fair chance to prove himself.
.
! And it's not just about him, it's about what he can do for Palestine 
. And what's up with all these countries being like "nope, we're not sending troops" 
. And those new laws about the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners? Absolutely chilling 
. It's like they're trying to make an example out of Barghouti, to show everyone else what will happen if they try to speak out against Israel. But we can't let that happen! We need to keep pushing for his release and for a peaceful resolution to the whole Palestinian conflict 
.
All these big-name celebrities are speaking out for him, and it's time we listened 
It's no wonder he's still super popular among Palestinians - who wouldn't want a leader like that on their side? 
That's just terrifying. I mean, what's next? 
The US and UN are all like "let's send troops to Gaza" but then nobody shows up... 
it's just so frustrating.
incl margaret atwood, philip pullman, sting & annie lennox 
even billionaires like richard branson r on board! 
. I mean, where's the pressure on Netanyahu to actually release him? The US is just enabling his behavior with all these visits and whatnot 
?
we need to hold our leaders accountable and pressure governments to do the right thing. I'm so inspired by all these celebrities and entrepreneurs who are using their platforms to raise awareness about this issue 