European Commissioner: Marwan Barghouti Could Be the “Palestinian Nelson Mandela”

Haja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “not the convincing leader capable” of achieving peace in the Middle East, expressing doubts about his commitment to the Trump-backed ceasefire.اضافة اعلان

In an interview with Politico, Lahbib called for continued international pressure on Israel, noting that the “biggest threat” to lasting peace comes from extremists on both sides who oppose a two-state solution. She criticized statements by Netanyahu and some government officials as “sometimes unacceptable” for leaders.



When asked if Netanyahu truly wants peace, Lahbib replied: “Just asking the question is telling. I have some doubts. So far, he has implemented the ceasefire, let’s see what happens. But we all know he opposed the two-state solution.”

Lahbib suggested that Israel may need new leadership willing to adopt a two-state solution, creating a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. She emphasized that the immediate priority is maintaining the ceasefire, delivering urgent humanitarian aid, and providing hope to people living amid widespread destruction.

The ceasefire in Gaza has been in effect for two weeks, during which Hamas released surviving detainees and some bodies, and Israeli forces withdrew to agreed positions. Despite some continued attacks and casualties, tensions remain high but the truce has largely held.

She proposed that Palestinians might need a figure akin to “a Palestinian Nelson Mandela”, pointing to imprisoned Marwan Barghouti, a senior Fatah leader jailed since 2002, who has topped opinion polls as a preferred candidate for future Palestinian leadership. Lahbib said: “Perhaps someone who still has credibility and legitimacy among Palestinians. If he becomes the new Mandela, is released, and can gain his people’s trust while leading toward peace, that would be remarkable.”

EU Pressure on Israel

Lahbib rejected calls by the new Israeli ambassador to the EU to drop threats of sanctions and resume suspended cooperation. She stated: “On the contrary, the past two years have shown we need leverage,” noting that U.S. pressure has advanced peace efforts because it possesses tools to influence outcomes.

Asked if Israel committed genocide in Gaza, Lahbib said such determinations are for the courts to decide, but she cited an independent UN investigation indicating that genocide has occurred or is ongoing. She described the humanitarian devastation as inhumane, emphasizing the need to restore humanity.

Lahbib stressed that the EU aims to be active, not just a funder, in Gaza’s reconstruction, but political instability in Israel complicates giving the EU a meaningful role in the “Peace Council” proposed by Trump. She acknowledged that the governing coalition is fragile and unlikely to make decisions that could lead to sustainable peace.

She concluded that while Trump and his team are committed to maintaining the ceasefire, “this is not the end of the war. Achieving this requires implementing a two-state solution. The situation remains extremely fluid and fragile.”