US Lawmaker Calls on Israel to Release Palestinian Leader Marwan Barghouti

US Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has called on Israel to release imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, stating that Barghouti's standing across Palestinian factions and perceived integrity make him a potential figure in advancing a two-state resolution. The appeal follows questions raised by human rights groups over Barghouti's 2004 trial and comes ahead of Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28, the first in 20 years. Barghouti has been held in Israeli custody since 2002 and was convicted on murder charges related to Second Intifada operations, sentences he rejected. He has been in solitary confinement at Ramon Prison since February 2024.