Marwan Barghouti’s cousin says “80% certain” he will be released

The family of Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Palestinian political leader widely referred to as the "Mandela of Palestine," has engaged in high-level diplomatic outreach to US President Donald Trump, pressing him to secure Barghouti’s release amidst the ongoing second phase of the Gaza truce negotiations.

“Mr. President, a true partner awaits you. Someone who can help realize our shared dream of a just and lasting peace in the region. Help free Marwan Barghouti for the freedom of the Palestinian people and peace for future generations," the family wrote.

The initiative comes as one family member, speaking to BBC Persian, expressed strong internal conviction about Barghouti’s return.

In the West Bank village of Kabar, Barghouti’s cousin said he was “80% certain” that the Fatah leader would soon be freed.

A Direct Appeal to Trump

Marwan Barghouti's son, Arab Barghouti, has publicly urged President Trump to "seize the opportunity" provided by the fragile Gaza truce to secure his father’s freedom and help “revive the two-state solution”.

“He's capable and has the track record to unify the Palestinian people,” Arab Barghouti told Agence France-Presse (AFP), adding that his family “really welcome” Trump’s non-committal yet engaged response to the request.

Trump previously acknowledged the request, indicating he would be “making a decision” on the matter.

Despite the family’s high degree of confidence, Barghouti’s release faces a barrier

‘Israeli’ Security Opposition

Barghouti, 66, has been imprisoned for over two decades and is serving multiple life sentences for his role in planning attacks during the Second Intifada that killed five people. ‘Israel’ has consistently and unequivocally refused to include him in prisoner exchange lists, even when Hamas specifically insisted on his freedom during recent truce talks.

Analysts suggest the core reason for the refusal is the belief that Barghouti is the individual “most likely” to unify and “renew the national movement,” a possibility the current right-wing ‘Israeli’ government actively seeks to prevent. Efforts by high-profile figures, such as World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder, to lobby for Barghouti’s release were reportedly “nixed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office amid overwhelming opposition” among cabinet ministers.

Barghouti, a former Fatah secretary-general, is widely viewed by many Palestinians as the only figure capable of bridging the political divide between rival factions.

The Elders, an influential group of former world leaders set up by Nelson Mandela, have publicly called for Barghouti’s immediate freedom, stating that his release is an "important step towards reviving a lasting two-state solution".

His son noted that the primary contribution of his father upon release would be "unifying the Palestinian people," a critical requirement for post-conflict governance.

Barghouti has continually denied the charges against him and rejected the ‘Israeli’ court’s jurisdiction, maintaining his image as a political leader and symbol of resilience among Palestinians.