Khaled Meshaal: The Hamas Leader Who Survived Israel’s Assassination Plot
Khaled Meshaal, a key figure in Hamas and once its long-time political chief, is back in the spotlight as a potential leader of the organization following the assassination of Yahya Sinwar. Meshaal’s history with Hamas and his incredible survival from an Israeli assassination attempt in 1997 have earned him the title of the “living martyr.” His leadership, spanning over two decades, has made him one of the most influential figures in Hamas’s political sphere.
Early Life and Rise in Hamas
Born on May 28, 1956, in Silwad, near Ramallah in the West Bank, Khaled Meshaal’s life has been intertwined with resistance movements from a young age. At just 15, he joined the Muslim Brotherhood, marking the start of his involvement in political activism. By 1987, when Hamas was founded, Meshaal had already secured his place in the group, eventually rising to the position of political chief in 1996.
His leadership was marked by Hamas’s shift toward a more global political strategy. However, his growing prominence caught the attention of Israel, which saw him as a significant threat.
The 1997 Assassination Attempt
In 1997, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, under the direction of then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, plotted to assassinate Meshaal in retaliation for Hamas’s suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians. The assassination attempt took place in Amman, Jordan, where Mossad agents injected Meshaal with a lethal poison.
The plan was almost successful, but two Mossad agents involved in the operation were caught while trying to flee. When Jordan’s King Hussein learned of Israel’s role in the attack, he issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu: provide the antidote to save Meshaal’s life or face severe consequences. King Hussein even threatened to execute the captured Mossad agents and break the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty.
A Miraculous Rescue
Amid growing international pressure, including intervention from then-U.S. President Bill Clinton, Israel was forced to deliver the antidote to Meshaal. In a matter of days, Meshaal was brought out of a coma and recovered fully. The failed assassination attempt not only saved his life but also solidified his position within Hamas. It was after this event that Meshaal earned the nickname “living martyr.”
The repercussions of the botched operation didn’t end there. As part of the deal to save Meshaal, Israel had to release Hamas’s spiritual leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, further boosting Hamas’s political strength.
Meshaal’s Leadership and Current Role
Following his recovery, Meshaal continued to lead Hamas’s political wing, operating from Damascus, Syria, from 2004 to 2012. His tenure saw Hamas’s influence grow, both within Gaza and internationally. However, the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War forced Meshaal to leave Damascus, and he has since managed Hamas’s foreign operations from Qatar and Egypt.
Even though he stepped down from the political chief role in 2017, Meshaal remains a key figure in Hamas. With the recent assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, there is growing speculation that Meshaal may once again take the helm of the organization.
The Legacy of a ‘Living Martyr’
Khaled Meshaal’s survival from the 1997 assassination attempt is one of the most remarkable stories in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. His ability to evade death and his continued influence within Hamas make him a formidable figure. As tensions continue to rise in the region, the possibility of Meshaal returning to power could mark a significant shift in the group’s strategies and leadership.
For now, Meshaal remains a symbol of resilience and leadership for Hamas, operating from abroad and maintaining his position as a key player in the organization’s future. Whether he will officially reclaim the leadership of Hamas remains to be seen, but his legacy as the “living martyr” endures.