US lawmaker urges Israel to free Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti

US Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has called on Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a prominent imprisoned Palestinian political leader, arguing that his release could help create momentum toward a two-state peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.

Barghouti, long regarded by many Palestinians as an influential figure capable of unifying different factions, has been held in Israeli custody for years. Calls for his release have periodically surfaced in discussions about prisoner exchanges and broader peace initiatives, though Israeli officials have historically resisted such demands.

A renewed push amid diplomatic efforts

Khanna's comments add a prominent American voice to the debate over Barghouti's imprisonment at a time when international attention remains focused on prospects for reviving a credible peace process in the region. Proponents of his release argue that his standing among Palestinians could make him a stabilizing figure in any future political arrangement.

The proposal is likely to draw mixed reactions, given the deep divisions over how to approach any negotiated settlement and the sensitivities surrounding Barghouti's past legal case in Israel. Khanna's remarks reflect a broader pattern of US lawmakers weighing in on steps they believe could help revive stalled diplomatic efforts toward a two-state outcome.