Ben Gvir threatens Marwan Barghouti inside his cell and the deterioration of his health raises concerns

In a serious and unprecedented escalation, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the cell of Palestinian prisoner leader Marwan Barghouti in "Ganot" prison, directing direct threats at him, while his family expressed fears of his physical liquidation inside the prison, amidst shock at the significant change in his features and deterioration of his health condition.

Ben Gvir appeared in a video broadcast by Channel 7, addressing Barghouti in his solitary cell, saying: "You will not win, and those who kill our sons and daughters will be erased from existence," emphasizing that there is no place for those who "mess with the people of Israel."

This visit, which Palestinian sources described as provocative and deliberate, comes in the context of the ongoing repressive policies that Ben Gvir has pursued since he took over the National Security Ministry in late 2022, which have led to a widespread deterioration in the conditions of Palestinian prisoners, especially regarding nutrition and healthcare, which has reflected on their weights and overall health.

Marwan Barghouti's recent appearance, a member of the Central Committee of Fatah, revealed a clear deterioration in his health condition, as his body appeared noticeably emaciated, with severe signs of exhaustion and changing features.

His family confirmed that they were shocked to see these physical changes, expressing serious fears of him being subjected to execution or deliberate medical neglect.

The family said in a brief statement reported by the "Wafa" agency:

"We fear for Marwan's execution inside his cell by a decision from Ben Gvir; we are shocked by the change in his features, and the exhaustion and hunger he is experiencing."

Ben Gvir's actions sparked a wave of official and popular Palestinian condemnations. The head of the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, Raed Abu Al-Homs, described the storming of Barghouti's cell as "crossing all red lines," stating in an official statement:

"What Ben Gvir has said in terms of words and threats reflects the dangerous racist intentions of this extremist minister, and confirms that we are facing a deliberate escalation aimed at breaking the will of the prisoner movement."

For his part, Hussein Sheikh, Deputy Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, said:

"What Ben Gvir did represents the peak of psychological, moral, and physical terrorism against the prisoners, and constitutes an unprecedented outbreak in the policies of the occupation, necessitating immediate intervention from international organizations."

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also held the Israeli government fully responsible for the life of Marwan Barghouti and all prisoners, demanding urgent international intervention to stop the violations and ensure their release.

Barghouti is considered one of the most prominent leaders of the Palestinian national movement and one of the symbols of the second intifada.

He was arrested by Israel in April 2002, and sentenced to five life sentences and 40 years, on charges related to operations attributed to groups affiliated with Fatah, which resulted in the death and injury of several Israelis.

For years, Barghouti has been held in strict isolation under harsh conditions, which have significantly escalated under Ben Gvir's new policies, which included reducing meal portions, halting visits, and minimizing healthcare to the bare minimum, as part of a systematic plan aimed at pressuring the prisoner movement.

Palestinian human rights organizations indicate that what Barghouti is subjected to is considered a "slow execution" carried out in stages, through systematic starvation, long-term isolation, and deliberate medical neglect.

Informed sources confirm that he has lost more than half of his weight in the past year alone.

Ben Gvir had boasted, last July, before the Israeli Supreme Court, about the policies of starving prisoners, in response to a petition submitted by the Association for Civil Rights against their detention conditions, saying: "There is no luxury in prisons, and those who want to rest should leave terrorism."

In light of these developments, Palestinian calls for internationalizing the issue of prisoners, especially Marwan Barghouti, are increasing, and there is a call for immediate action in international forums to stop the serious violations they are subjected to.