Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the solitary confinement wing of Ganot Prison on Thursday, where he confronted and threatened Palestinian resistance leader Marwan Barghouthi inside his cell.

Ben-Gvir, notorious for his extremist, anti-Palestinian ideology, taunted the imprisoned leader and declared on camera: “You will not defeat us; anyone who harms the people of Israel, who kills children, who murders women — we will erase them.” His remarks, laced with incitement, were followed by boasts about the Israeli regime’s long history of assassinating Palestinian leaders.

Prisoner Groups: This Is a Prelude to Assassination

Palestinian prisoner organizations denounced Ben-Gvir’s threats, warning they may signal a dangerous intent to “silently execute” Barghouthi. Abdullah Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society, called the threat a “blatant declaration of the occupation’s plan to eliminate Barghouthi and other imprisoned leaders.”

Zaghari stressed that Barghouthi’s life is at heightened risk, particularly as he has been held in cruel solitary confinement since the beginning of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. Alongside dozens of other Palestinian leaders, he is enduring conditions that amount to slow death: starvation, denial of urgent medical care, and systematic abuse — including severe beatings by heavily armed special units during violent raids.

Torture, Starvation, and Denial of Rights

According to prisoner advocates, Barghouthi and fellow detainees have been repeatedly assaulted, suffering injuries of varying severity. The prison administration also blocks family and lawyer visits, and routinely transfers prisoners under harsh conditions where they are often beaten.

A Symbol of Palestinian Resistance

Marwan Barghouthi, a leading figure in the Palestinian struggle for freedom, has been imprisoned by the occupation since 2002. His steadfastness has made him a symbol of resistance for millions, while his persecution reflects the Israeli regime’s fear of leaders who inspire unity and defiance.

Rights groups say Ben-Gvir’s latest stunt underscores Israel’s systematic policy of humiliating and breaking the will of Palestinian prisoners — a policy that has intensified since October 2023 as part of the broader campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank. (ILKHA)