Poisoned but Not Defeated: Khaled Meshaal Eyes Top Hamas Position
In a dramatic turn of events, Khaled Meshaal, a man who once narrowly escaped an Israeli assassination attempt, is poised to take the helm as the new leader of Hamas. The world first learned of Meshaal’s tenacity in 1997 when Israeli agents attempted to poison him on a street in Amman, Jordan.
The audacious attack, ordered by then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, nearly ended in disaster for Israeli operatives, as Jordan’s King Hussein demanded the antidote, threatening severe repercussions. Israel complied, averting a diplomatic crisis and also releasing Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who would later be assassinated in Gaza.
Meshaal, now 68, has been a pivotal figure in Hamas, advocating for Palestinian liberation and maintaining international connections for the group. His anticipated leadership comes in the wake of Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Iran, sparking vows of retribution from both Tehran and Hamas. With senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya also in the leadership race, Meshaal’s strained ties with Iran due to his past support for the Syrian revolt might play a crucial role in his leadership tenure.
Since the group’s inception in 1987, Israel has systematically targeted Hamas leaders, but Meshaal’s resilience has kept him at the forefront. He has been central to the organization’s political strategy, including navigating the complex debate over a permanent peace deal with Israel. While rejecting a lasting peace, he has suggested a temporary state in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as a strategic step.
Meshaal’s journey began in the West Bank but led him to Kuwait, where he joined the Muslim Brotherhood at 15, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the Palestinian cause.
His near-death experience in 1997, ordered by Netanyahu in retaliation for a Hamas-linked bombing, turned him into a symbol of resistance and resilience. Expelled from Jordan, Meshaal relocated to Qatar and later Syria, where he led Hamas from exile until the Syrian civil war strained his relations with Assad and Iran.
Now dividing his time between Doha and Cairo, Meshaal faces the challenge of uniting Hamas’ diverse factions and addressing internal and external political pressures. His leadership could shape the future of Hamas and its role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Poisoned but Not Defeated: Khaled Meshaal Eyes Top Hamas Position
