A senior Fatah official hinted on Wednesday that Marwan Barghouti, jailed Fatah leader, could be nominated as deputy to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Sakher Habbash, member of the Fatah Central Committee, told reporters that Barghouti is holding an important position and he can represent all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

"Marwan Barghouti is the best Palestinian personality who fits the position of Abbas' deputy," he said. "It is time to nominate Barghouti as the deputy after his victory in Fatah primaries."

Barghouti, 46, was detained in the West Bank city of Ramallah in 2002, as the Israeli army carried out Defensive Shield operation in the West Bank.

An Israeli court sentenced Barghouti, also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, to five life imprisonment for supporting the Palestinian uprising.

Although Barghouti is imprisoned, he decided to run for Fatah primaries, and his victory prompted Israel to reconsider his release.

Source: Xinhua