Fedwa El Brghouti: “ My husband is happy for the release of the prisoners”

“ My children were shocked because they were convinced that the deal over the prisoners swap with Israel wouldn’t be sealed unless their father is part of it… I can understand the circumstances but I couldn’t stare at my kids’ eyes and deal with the situation”. These were the words of Mrs Fadwa, the wife of the Palestinian leader Merouane El Berghouti, who accepted to make an interview with Echouorouk.

• Echourouk:  What can you say about the deal sealed between Israel and Hamas over the prisoners’ swap knowing that your husband was counted out?
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• Fadwa:  The Palestinian people is living a historical moment and is overwhelmed, this is a special day and feel proud and at the return of the militants after 34 years of detention. They are real heroes because they faced up their situation with dignity and this is a strong signal for the colonizers.
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•  Echourouk: Did Hamas give any explanation concerning the exclusion of some prisoners including El Berghouthi?
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• Fadwa: : Frankly speaking, I was embarrassed when I was at the reception of the prisoners in the company of the head of the Palestinian authority We have to work harder in order to release the other prisoners. This deal has affected a number of families whose relatives are still in detention and look forward for the liberation of the Palestinian prisoners.
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• Echourouk: Were you in contact with Hamas over the deal?
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• Fadwa: : We in contact till June, and Hamas has always asserted that the deal will not be sealed without Al Berghouti. But the contacts have stopped since three months and I’m personally relying on the media that reported that the negotiations with Israel were tough.
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• Echourouk: What was Merouan’s reaction at the news that he was excluded from the deal?
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• Fadwa: His lawyer told me that Meraoune is sending his greetings to the families and extends his congratulations for the liberation of the prisoners noting that there are 57 prisoners who spent 20 years in detention. Al Berghouti is lifting up the spirits of the other prisoners especially those who were expecting to be released but not.
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