“Israel” no longer objects to Hamas’s demand for the release of Fatah’s Marwan Barghouti as part of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, said sources close to the negotiations to Asharq News.

However, the report added that the Israeli Occupation stipulated that Marwan Barghouti be released to the Gaza Strip instead of the West Bank if he is freed.

Barghouti is expected to top Hamas’ list of lifetime Palestinian prisoners to be freed in the proposed prisoner exchange deal if it goes through.

Also Read: US, Middle East voice concern over treatment of imprisoned Marwan Barghouti

Barghouti, who is regarded as the leader of the First and Second Intifada, was arrested by the Israeli occupation in 2002 in Ramallah and is currently serving five life sentences for planning three operations that killed five settlers during the Second Intifada.

“Israel” previously refused for him to be released in the prisoner exchange deal that took place in 2011 with Hamas - where the imprisoned “Israeli” soldier Gilad Shalit was released by Hamas in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.

*Stay informed with our carefully curated content delivered directly to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and in-depth analysis. Click here to subscribe.