Full Breakdown
Israeli Prison Guards Accused of Shooting Fatah Leader Marwan Barghouti
7/14/2026, 12:24:32 AM
Shooting Allegation at Ganot Prison
Family members say that on a visit to Israel’s Ganot prison in the Negev desert, a guard fired a rubber bullet that struck Marwan Barghouti, 67, in the leg, causing bleeding and pain. The incident, reported by his wife Fadwa Barghouti on Facebook, is said to have occurred “some time last week.” Barghouti’s lawyer, civil-rights attorney Avigdor Feldman, relayed the claim in a letter to the prison service, noting that Barghouti had complained of being shot during their last meeting. The Israel Prison Service rejected the allegation as “false and entirely without factual basis.”
Background: Barghouti’s Status and Prior Prison Incidents
Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah official arrested by Israel in 2002, is serving five life sentences for murder and involvement in attacks during the second intifada. Supporters have dubbed him the “Mandela of Palestine,” and he is widely viewed as a potential successor to President Mahmoud Abbas. In October 2025, his son Arab Barghouti alleged that guards severely beat Barghouti during a prison transfer, resulting in broken ribs and head injuries. Earlier, a video showed far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatening a physically weakened Barghouti inside the jail.
Official Statements & Responses
- Israel Prison Service: Denied the shooting, stating its operations are “in accordance with the law and under constant judicial oversight.”
- Avigdor Feldman (lawyer): Reported that Barghouti had told him he was shot in the leg during their recent conversation.
Criticism & Opposition
Barghouti’s family and supporters describe the incident as part of a pattern of “repeated assaults” on the imprisoned leader. The Arab League responded by calling for an international commission of inquiry to investigate these alleged assaults.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the prison guards fired a rubber bullet at Marwan's leg, causing him to bleed and inflicting a painful injury,” — Fadwa Barghouti, wife
- “The allegation described is false and entirely without factual basis,” — Israel Prison Service statement
- “On Sunday, the Arab League called for an international commission of inquiry into what it said were "repeated assaults" on Barghouti.” — Arab League statement
