What’s next for Hamas’ Meshaal?
Khaled Meshaal, the long-serving head of Hamas' political bureau, will likely abstain from the movement’s next internal elections, although close observers find it hard to imagine him withdrawing from the movement's leadership permanently.
Khaled Meshaal has long been a leading Hamas figure, heading its political bureau since 1996. However, according to recent media reports, Meshaal will not participate in the movement’s internal elections that may be held in late November or early December.
It may seem early to talk about replacing Meshaal, as Meshaal himself has remained publicly silent.
On June 16, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a member of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza, told the New Arab newspaper that Meshaal will not run for re-election as head of the political bureau. The London-based Rai al-Youm reported on June 13 that Meshaal had confirmed to unnamed close associates that he will not run, but did not reveal whether he will support any particular Hamas leader for the post.
