Khaled Meshaal, a name whispered with both fear and admiration across the Middle East, is poised to become the next leader of Hamas. His history is entwined with the Palestinian militant group’s struggle against Israel, marked by acts of defiance and resilience. Meshaal’s rise to prominence began in 1997 when Israeli agents attempted to assassinate him in Amman, Jordan. The botched attempt, ordered by then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparked outrage in Jordan and led to Israel handing over the antidote to the poison used. This event cemented Meshaal’s image as a symbol of resistance, and he became a key figure in Hamas’s international relations, representing the group at meetings with foreign governments.
Meshaal’s association with Hamas predates the assassination attempt, dating back to his youth. Born in Silwad, near Ramallah, Meshaal moved with his family to Kuwait as a boy, where he joined the Muslim Brotherhood at the age of 15. This organization became instrumental in the formation of Hamas, and Meshaal’s dedication to the Palestinian cause would lead him to become a schoolteacher and later, a key figure in Hamas’s international fundraising efforts.
His role in international relations continued even after he survived the assassination attempt. However, Meshaal’s move to Syria in 2001, prompted by the closure of Hamas’s bureau in Amman, resulted in a strain on his relationship with Iran. This occurred due to his support for the Sunni Muslim-led revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. Despite the complexities of his past, Meshaal remained a central figure in Hamas, rising to become the overall leader of the group after the assassinations of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel-Aziz Al-Rantissi in 2004. He became the voice of Hamas in the world, advocating for Palestinian liberation and challenging Israel’s actions.
Throughout his tenure as a leader, Meshaal has grappled with the issue of Hamas’s future strategy. The group’s 1988 charter calls for the destruction of Israel, but Meshaal has proposed a temporary solution – a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem – in exchange for a long-term ceasefire. However, the recent attack on Israel by Hamas-led militants, which killed over 1,200 people and led to the kidnapping of hundreds more, suggests that a more pragmatic approach to peace remains a distant prospect.
Meshaal’s leadership style has evolved with the changing landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has navigated the complexities of international relations, maintained a strong presence within Hamas, and emerged as a figure who has challenged the status quo. As he now takes on the leadership role, his path forward will be shaped by the ongoing conflict and the desire for a solution to the decades-long struggle between Palestinians and Israelis.
