Palestinian leaders in Ramallah appear to be in a panic as news circulates of a potential prisoner exchange that could include the release of popular Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, who has spent more than 20 years in an Israeli prison.
Many Palestinians believe that Barghouti would be able to rebuild the Palestine Liberation Organization after almost two decades of stagnation under octogenarian Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and facilitate a reconciliation government, a message that resonates with young Palestinians.
Who is Barghouti?
Born in Ramallah in 1959, Barghouti is the founder of the Fatah Tanzim, an armed offshoot of Fatah that has a strong presence in the West Bank, which is overwhelmingly loyal to him.
