Key Prisoners Excluded: 'Proportionality' for Thee, Not For Me
Mainstream media hails an impending prisoner-hostage swap, where Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, many arrested during the ongoing assault on Gaza. France 24 notes that 'key Palestinian prisoners' like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat are excluded, conveniently glossing over the fact that Barghouti, a universally recognized political leader, has spent over two decades in
prison following a trial widely criticized for due process violations. While Israel's 'list' includes some convicted of deadly attacks, the exclusion of figures like Barghouti, who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and advocated for a two-state solution, underscores a cynical political calculus. This isn't just about security; it's about systematically dismantling any semblance of
Palestinian political leadership, echoing decades of similar tactics. Meanwhile, over half the freed are exiled to Gaza or abroad, ensuring West Bank communities remain politically neutered while a 'humanitarian pause' allows for strategic regrouping. One might wonder if 'hostage exchanges' are just another form of population transfer in plain sight.