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| By: israelinsider staff |
| Published: April 16, 2007 |
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According to a speech by Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh Monday, former Fatah West Bank leader and terrorist Marwan Barghouti, is included in the list of 1,400 prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for kidnapped IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit.
Barghouti is currently serving five consecutive life sentences for killing Israelis in terrorist attacks, plus 20 years for attempted murder and 20 years for active membership of a terrorist organization.
During his speech in Gaza, where thousands had rallied to call for the release of Palestinian prisoners, Haniyeh stated, "Barghouti the fighter is on the list and we await his release just like we await the release of all Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israeli prisons."
Haniyeh's Monday speech directly contradicted weekend statements made by his deputy, Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmed, who claimed that Hamas was not insisting Barghouti be on the list.
Al-Ahmed's claims themselves were surprising considering previous promises made to Barghouti's family by Hamas officials, including Khaled Mashaal, insuring his inclusion on the list.
Haniyeh also remarked on the international community's unfairness in responding to the prisoner swap.
"Every country has voiced its opinion about Shalit, but who knows the names of the 11,000 Palestinian prisoners sitting in Israeli jails?
"Who even mentions them? Who mentions the suffering of their families and people? Why use such double standards when talking about humanitarian issues?" said Haniyeh.
A Fatah source said the party looked unfavorably on Barghouti's inclusion in the prisoner swap, due to the support Hamas would presumable gain after the deal. The source recommended instead that Israel give up Barghouti as a gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, reported Ynetnews.
"I am familiar with the claim that there are Fatah officials who are not interested in seeing Barghouti return to the movement's leadership, but we are mostly worried that Hamas would gain more support following the deal," he said.
"If the Israeli government had smart people, Barghouti would be released and handed over to Abu Mazen [Abbas] as an Israeli gesture for the Palestinian president, who in spite of all the promises from the Israelis, has still not received a thing which could help the Palestinian people," said the source.
Read More: PA wants 1,400 prisoners for Shalit; Israel considers freeing Barghouti |
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