• Itamar Ben Gvir confronted Marwan Barghouti in a recently surfaced prison video.
• The Palestinian Authority condemned the video as an act of psychological terrorism.
• Barghouti, held for over 20 years, is regarded as a significant political figure in Palestinian politics.

Recently surfaced footage shows Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, taunting prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti inside his prison cell. The video, which is the first public sighting of Barghouti in years, depicts Ben Gvir declaring, "You will not win," asserting that those who attack Israel will be "wiped out." This encounter has provoked widespread condemnation, with the Palestinian Authority's Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh calling it "the epitome of psychological, moral and physical terrorism," according to BBC.

Barghouti, currently serving five life sentences after his conviction for planning attacks during the Second Intifada, attempts to respond during the 13-second video clip but is cut off. The footage has ignited outrage as it showcases a frail and visibly aged Barghouti, who has been imprisoned for over two decades. Israeli officials confirmed the video’s authenticity but denied that Ben Gvir was making any threats, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.

Supporters and human rights groups have raised concerns about Barghouti's current treatment, indicating that he has been in solitary confinement since the onset of violent escalations following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that Barghouti has faced assaults in prison, which the Israeli prison service has denied, fostering further allegations of mistreatment, according to NPR and BBC.

As a historical leader of Fatah, Barghouti remains a symbolic figure among Palestinians, and polls suggest he is their most popular leader. His wife, Fadwa Al Barghouti, commented on the video, expressing her shock at her husband's frail appearance but affirming his enduring connection to the Palestinian people. "Perhaps a part of me does not want to acknowledge everything that your face and body shows," she noted, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.

Ben Gvir’s actions have stirred fears among Barghouti's supporters regarding his safety, particularly with speculation surrounding potential prisoner exchanges linked to current negotiations amidst ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel. Barghouti's release is reportedly sought by Hamas as part of any deals concerning hostages. However, Israeli authorities have shown reluctance to consider his freedom, according to NPR.