Israel Refuses to Release Most Notable Palestinian Leader, Hamas Responds

The most notable Palestinian leader, Marwan Barghouti, is not included among the prisoners that Israel intends to release in exchange for hostages held by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, according to The Associated Press.

Israel has also rejected the release of other senior prisoners that Hamas has long demanded. It remains unclear whether the list of approximately 250 prisoners published on the Israeli government’s official website is final.

Hamas senior official Musa Abu Marzouq has stated that they insist on the release of Barghouti and other senior figures. Additionally, negotiations are underway with mediators on this matter. Israel considers Barghouti to be a leader of terrorism.