Marwan Barghouti is viewed by some Palestinians as their Nelson Mandela, and he's a prime candidate to become their president in the future. 

He's also the highest-profile prisoner held by Israel.

Now his freedom is at stake in cease-fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, usnews.com wrote. 

Hamas leaders demanded that Israel release Barghouti, as part of any deal to end the fighting in Gaza.

The demand brings new attention to Barghouti, who plays a central role in Palestinian politics even after spending more than two decades behind bars. His release could lay the groundwork for his eventual election to national office.

Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan called for Barghouti's release as international mediators try to push Israel and Hamas toward an agreement after four months of war.

Israel is seeking the release of more than 100 captives still held by Hamas in Gaza. Hamas is demanding an end to Israel's genocidal war and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners.

Palestinians see the 64-year-old Barghouti, a member of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party, as a natural successor to the 88-year-old Abbas.