Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has urged Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, arguing that Palestinian self-determination is essential for a lasting peace process.

US Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, has called on Israel to release imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti. In a video statement, Khanna argued that allowing Palestinians to choose their own leadership is necessary to advance a durable two-state resolution. He suggested that Barghouti, who is widely viewed as a secular and non-corrupt figure, could play a pivotal role in achieving peace.

Rationale for the Appeal

Khanna stated that Barghouti holds a unique standing among Palestinian factions and could potentially facilitate a state living in peace with Israel. The congressman drew parallels to the peace process in Northern Ireland, noting that integrating former combatants into the political system was key to reconciliation. He emphasized that his call for release does not constitute a pardon or moral absolution for Barghouti's past actions, acknowledging that the leader was convicted in 2004 on murder charges related to the Second Intifada and is serving five life sentences plus 40 years.

Background and Context

Barghouti, who rose to prominence during the First Intifada, was arrested by Israeli forces in 2002 in Ramallah. He has consistently denied ordering attacks on civilians and rejected the jurisdiction of the Israeli court that convicted him. In February 2024, he was moved to solitary confinement at Ramon Prison. Khanna’s remarks come ahead of Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28, the first such balloting in two decades, followed by presidential elections next year.