Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas along with several international and regional parties have increased efforts to release Fatah official Marwan Barghouti from an Israeli jail, an informed Palestinian source said.
But the source said there hasn’t been any breakthrough yet.
The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abbas is pressing to ensure his release, adding that Egypt is also exerting efforts.
Egypt believes his release could contribute to ending inter-Palestinian division, according to the source.
Fatah official Hatem Abdel Qader said Egypt strongly encourages the release of Barghouti and his inclusion in any future swap deal. He added that former Egyptian intelligence official Omar Suleiman made efforts to release the jailed Palestinian official in the previous deal.
Barghouti is a member of Fatah’s Central Committee and has been held in Israeli prisons since April 14, 2002 on charges of leading al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatah’s military arm.
Israel has sentenced Barghouti to five years in prison in addition to another 40-year sentence.
During the movement’s seventh congress, Barghouti received the highest votes; 930 out of about 1,100 votes.
Several Fatah officials nominated Barghouti to become Abbas’ deputy even while in prison, but the Palestinian president appointed Mahmoud al-Aloul.
Many of his supporters were angered that Barghouti was not appointed because they believed that putting him in the post would increase pressure for his release.
Well-informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Marwan's name was actually floated during discussions on choosing a vice-president in the Central Committee meetings, but the members strongly objected for several reasons, including the move being impractical because he is detained.
Abbas and Fatah officials recently met Fadwa Barghouti, Marwan’s wife. She is also a member of the Revolutionary Council of Fatah Movement and received the highest votes during the council’s elections.
A Fatah official told Asharq Al-Awsat the movement will remain united despite disagreements, adding that there might not be a named successor to Abbas, but there is no urgent need to resolve this issue.
He stated how the situation was far more complicated when choosing a successor to late President Yasser Arafat. However, Fatah later united and agreed on a candidate.
