Sources reported that Hamas strongly demanded in the exchange deal negotiations the release of Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and leaders of other Palestinian factions, as part of the first phase of the exchange deal.
The sources indicated that Hamas's demand was accepted and supported by the mediators and the American side, which calls for the idea of renewing the authority, as Marwan Barghouti represents the national movement and enjoys wide popular acceptance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The sources added that Hamas's demand to release Barghouti came from the movement's conviction that it is unable to return to power in Gaza, and considers Barghouti the closest and safest to it as an umbrella for the authority in Gaza.
Reports indicated last February that Marwan Barghouti's name was raised in the ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
The Associated Press reported that Hamas leaders demanded that Israel release Barghouti, as part of any agreement to stop the fighting in Gaza.
At that time, the request once again shed light on Barghouti, who plays a pivotal role in Palestinian politics, despite spending more than two decades behind Israeli prison bars.
His release is expected to pave the way for his eventual election to the presidency of the Authority.
Source: Sky News Arabia
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