Gary Lineker calls for the release of imprisoned Palestinian leader by Israel

Gary Lineker has joined a public appeal calling on Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader currently serving five life sentences linked to terrorism-related convictions.

More than 200 prominent cultural and public figures have added their names to a petition supporting Barghoutis release. Detained since 2002, the 66-year-old is regarded by some supporters of a two-state solution as a unifying figure who could help bridge divisions between Palestinian political groups. Israeli authorities, however, maintain that he played a role in directing attacks against civilians.

Among the high-profile signatories are Stephen Fry, Richard Branson, Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Delia Smith and Eric Cantona, alongside Lineker. Support has also come from musicians and artists including Sting, Paul Simon, Brian Eno, Annie Lennox, Ai Weiwei and author Sally Rooney. A number of Hollywood actors have joined the appeal as well.

Many of those backing the current petition had previously signed a separate pledge calling for a boycott of the Israeli film industry.

The petition expresses serious concern about Barghoutis treatment in custody, alleging physical abuse and a lack of proper legal protections. It calls on the United Nations and governments worldwide to push for his release.

During negotiations connected to an October hostage exchange, Hamas reportedly pressed for Barghouti to be included among the prisoners freed, but Israel declined. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, he has allegedly been kept in solitary confinement and subjected to repeated violence, according to claims made by his family and other inmates.

In August, Israels national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked international outrage after video footage appeared to show him taunting a noticeably weakened Barghouti during a visit to his cell.

Barghouti, who was an elected legislator at the time of his arrest in Ramallah in 2002, was convicted two years later for involvement in planning attacks during the second intifada that resulted in civilian deaths. He refused to recognise the court and did not present a defence. While he was cleared of responsibility for several additional attacks, some legal observers have since questioned the fairness of the proceedings.

A senior member of Fatah, the party that governs parts of the West Bank through the Palestinian Authority, Barghouti had taken part in negotiations with Israel before violence intensified in 2000. He publicly opposed suicide bombings and other assaults on Israeli civilians, though he did support operations directed at Israeli targets within occupied territories.

Despite his decades in prison, during which he has learned Hebrew, Barghouti has never expressed support for Hamas and has acknowledged Israels right to exist. His international supporters often compare his story to that of Nelson Mandela, believing that he could play a crucial role in any future peace agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed the creation of an independent Palestinian state, a stance that has found broader support within Israels political mainstream since the events of October 7.

Author: Grace Ellison