Men walk past a section of Israel's separation barrier painted with a portrait of Palestinian Marwan Barghouti, who is being held in an Israeli jail. Photograph: Photo by Hazem Bader/AFP via Getty ImagesU2 frontman Bono has come out in support of freedom for Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who is currently serving five life sentences plus 40 years in an Israeli jail. Barghouti (66) has served as an elected legislator and has been a prominent advocate of a two-state solution. [ Belfast Agreement referendum vote ‘saved’ by U2’s concert, new book saysOpens in new window ]Nelson Mandela with Bono in 2002. He has said that he opposes attacks on civilians in Israel but defends a Palestinian right to armed resistance to Israeli occupation.

Source: The Irish Times January 09, 2026 08:09 UTC