Relatives of incarcerated Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti reported that he sustained a leg injury from a rubber bullet fired by Israeli prison staff last week. Israeli correctional officials have officially refuted these claims.
Barghouti, 67, is a high-ranking Fatah member currently serving multiple life sentences for murder and involvement in second intifada violence. His wife, Fadwa Barghouti, stated on social media that the shooting caused bleeding and significant pain, characterizing it as part of a series of hostile acts. His son, Arab Barghouti, indicated the event took place at Ganot prison in the Negev desert and noted that his father was reportedly denied medical attention.
Attorney Avigdor Feldman, representing Barghouti, formally notified prison authorities of the claim after meeting with his client. Conversely, the Israel Prison Service labeled the accusations as entirely baseless, maintaining that their operations adhere to legal standards and judicial review.
This follows earlier reports from October 2025 where Barghouti allegedly suffered broken ribs and head trauma during a transfer. Furthermore, a video from August depicted National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir confronting an ailing Barghouti. In response to these recurring reports, the Arab League has requested an international investigation. Barghouti remains a significant political figure and a potential successor to Mahmoud Abbas, having recently secured the most votes for re-election to Fatah’s Central Committee.
