Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Khaled Meshaal, a senior member of Hamas, is the frontrunner to become the group’s new leader. Haniyeh, who was in Iran for the swearing-in of the new president, was reportedly killed by Israeli forces. This event marks a significant shift in Hamas’ leadership dynamics.
Who is Khaled Meshaal?
- Early Life and Background
- Birth and Early Involvement: Born on May 28, 1956, in Silwad near Ramallah, Khaled Meshaal joined the Muslim Brotherhood at 15. This involvement was instrumental in the formation of Hamas in 1987.
- Education and Early Career: Meshaal was a teacher before becoming deeply involved in Hamas, eventually founding the group’s politburo in 1992.
- Leadership Roles
- Politburo Leadership: Meshaal headed Hamas’ politburo from 1996 until 2017 when he stepped down due to term limits and was succeeded by Ismail Haniyeh.
- Exile and Operations: Living mainly in exile, Meshaal operated from Syria, Qatar, and Egypt. This allowed him to engage in international diplomacy on behalf of Hamas, unencumbered by Israeli travel restrictions.
- Assassination Attempt and Aftermath
- 1997 Assassination Attempt: Israeli agents attempted to kill Meshaal by poisoning him in Amman, Jordan. The failed attempt led to a diplomatic crisis and significantly raised Meshaal’s profile.
- Symbol of Resistance: The incident turned Meshaal into a symbol of Palestinian resistance, often referred to as the “living martyr.”
- Political and Diplomatic Efforts
- International Representation: As the political leader in exile, Meshaal represented Hamas in meetings with various foreign governments, enhancing the group’s international presence.
- Views on Peace and Conflict: While Meshaal has rejected a permanent peace agreement with Israel, he has indicated that Hamas might accept a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem as a temporary measure in exchange for a long-term ceasefire.
- Relationship with Iran and Other Regional Actors
- Tensions with Iran: Meshaal’s relationship with Iran has been strained due to his support for the Sunni uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Despite these tensions, he remains a crucial figure in Hamas’ leadership.
- Recent Developments and Prospects
- October 7, 2023, Attacks: Following the Hamas attacks from Gaza, which resulted in significant casualties and kidnappings, Meshaal called for unity against Israel. His statements and actions have kept him in the spotlight as a leader of the Palestinian cause.
- Potential Leadership Role: With the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Meshaal is poised to take over as Hamas’ political leader. His extensive experience and leadership qualities make him a likely successor.
Impact and Future Challenges
Khaled Meshaal’s potential return to leadership comes at a critical time for Hamas. The organization faces significant challenges, including internal power struggles, external threats from Israel, and the need to navigate complex regional alliances. Meshaal’s diplomatic skills and longstanding involvement in Hamas’ strategic decisions position him as a pivotal figure in shaping the group’s future direction.
As Hamas prepares for a new phase in its leadership, the international community will be watching closely to see how Meshaal’s leadership will influence the group’s strategies and its ongoing conflict with Israel. His decisions will be crucial in determining whether Hamas pursues a more pragmatic approach or continues its armed struggle against Israeli occupation.
