The exiled leader of Hamas reveals the organization’s dynamics and predicts a comeback like the “rebirth of a phoenix”

In an exclusive interview with Reuters on October 5th, Khaled Meshaal, the exiled leader of Hamas, expressed a resolute commitment to the organization despite the significant losses it has faced in the year-long conflict with Israel. “We will rise from the ashes like a phoenix,” he declared, signaling that Hamas plans to continue recruiting fighters and manufacturing weapons.

At 68 years old, Meshaal remains a key figure within Hamas, working alongside current leader Ismail Haniyeh. Having survived multiple assassination attempts, including a notorious 1997 operation where he was injected with poison by Israeli agents, Meshaal’s nearly three-decade leadership has left an indelible mark on the organization. His influence makes him a crucial diplomatic figure for Hamas.

During the interview, he asserted that Hamas retains the capability to conduct attacks against Israel. He pointed out that on the anniversary of the conflict, the group fired four missiles at southern Israel, although all were intercepted.

While he acknowledged the losses of weaponry amid the ongoing war, Meshaal emphasized Hamas’s ongoing efforts to recruit youth and produce significant amounts of ammunition and arms, though he refrained from offering specific details.

Additionally, he expressed skepticism regarding the prospect of peace under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration, stating, “As long as the Israeli occupation exists, this region will remain a ticking time bomb.”

Middle Eastern analysts interpret Meshaal’s comments as a clear message to the international community: despite setbacks, Hamas is determined to continue its struggle. Joost R. Hiltermann, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the International Crisis Group, remarked, “Overall, I would say Hamas remains active… and may come back stronger in Gaza at some point.”