Trump Weighs Controversial Move to Free Palestinian Leader as U.S. Seeks Control in Gaza

As Washington maneuvers to shape a post-Hamas leadership landscape in Gaza, President Donald Trump has revealed he is seriously contemplating pressing Israel to release Marwan Barghouti — a convicted Fatah leader viewed by many as a unifying figure among Palestinians but branded a terrorist by Israel. The implications of such a move extend far beyond Palestinian internal politics. In the delicate aftermath of Hamas’s weakened grip on Gaza, U.S. policymakers face the daunting task of installing governance structures aligned with American and Israeli security priorities. Yet empowering Barghouti, whose past includes orchestrating deadly attacks against Israeli civilians, threatens to upend...