The name of one-time Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal has been popping up lately in speculation that he is considering a return to head the group or even a run for president of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Meshaal, however, has made no such announcement.

Gal Berger, an expert on Palestinian affairs for Israel’s Kann News, tweeted Dec. 25 that former Hamas politburo chief Meshaal wants to retake the reins of Hamas in the movement's next internal election, with the support of Qatar and Turkey. This would be bad news for Israel, since the movement’s decision-making would thus come from outside the Palestinian territories, over which Israel wields significant control. Meshaal resides in Doha, Qatar.

Hassan Asfour, former Palestinian minister of nongovernmental organization affairs in Ramallah, wrote on the Amad news website Dec. 26 that Meshaal's attendance Dec. 18 at the Kuala Lumpur Islamic Summit paved the way for him as possible head of the PA in elections expected this year. This raises concerns among the PA about Hamas potentially starting a “Meshaal for President” campaign.

Neither Berger nor Asfour revealed their sources while talking about Meshaal's potential future in the Hamas leadership or as a presidential candidate, although his increased political activity is evident. At the Kuala Lumpur Summit, Meshaal met Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.