Allegations of Abuse: Marwan Barghouti Reportedly Attacked by Israeli Guards

Fri Oct 17 2025 08:57:48 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian prisoner, was allegedly beaten by Israeli prison guards during a transfer. His family claims he was left unconscious and severely injured. The Israeli Prison Service denies the allegations, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding Barghouti's imprisonment.

Marwan Barghouti's family claims the prominent Palestinian prisoner was assaulted by Israeli guards, leaving him unconscious during a prison transfer. The incident has been met with denials from the Israeli Prison Service, while testimonials from fellow detainees raise serious concerns about his treatment. Barghouti remains a key figure in Palestinian leadership and continues to be held in solitary confinement.

The most prominent Palestinian prisoner, Marwan Barghouti, was reportedly beaten unconscious by Israeli prison guards on September 14, according to his family. The 66-year-old, who is serving multiple life sentences for planning attacks against Israelis, was allegedly assaulted by eight guards while being transferred between Ganot and Megiddo prisons.

The Israel Prison Service has disputed these claims, stating, These are false claims (fake). The Israel Prison Service operates in accordance with the law, while ensuring the safety and health of all inmates. However, Barghouti's son, Arab, shared that the family received corroborating testimonies from five separate detainees recently released, heightening their concern and horror regarding the incident.

According to family accounts, Barghouti was handcuffed, placed on the floor, and brutally kicked and beaten, particularly in sensitive areas such as the head, chest, and legs. The attack allegedly resulted in severe injuries, causing Barghouti to remain unconscious for hours, during which he was reportedly bleeding and unable to walk.

Arab also noted the location of the incident, speculating that the absence of surveillance cameras during the transfer facilitated the abuse. Barghouti's notoriety does not just stem from his current imprisonment; he is also recognized as a potential leader capable of uniting the Palestinian factions. Polling indicates that many Palestinians view him as a preferred candidate over the current Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

His significance is further underscored by ongoing negotiations involving the release of high-profile prisoners, including Barghouti, as demanded by Hamas in exchange for Israeli hostages. However, Israel has consistently declined to include him in these negotiations.

Barghouti has been held in solitary confinement since October 2023, and recent interactions have showcased the animosity towards him from political figures, including Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who expressed pride in Barghouti's worsened prison conditions.

The incident has raised further concerns regarding treatment of Palestinian prisoners and the use of violence in Israeli prisons, a topic that remains highly contentious amid wider geopolitical tensions.