Israel refuses to free 'Palestinian Mandela' in exchange deal
Israel has refused to release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who has been imprisoned for 23 years, as part of its hostage-for-prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. Barghouti, also known as 'Palestinian Nelson Mandela', was the most high-profile name whose release was demanded by Hamas. His supporters said prisoners convicted of far deadlier attacks have been freed in previous exchanges.