Khaled Mashaal

Guide Note

Khaled Mashaal is the political leader of Hamas and the group's international representative. A longtime critic of former president of the Palestinian National Authority, Yasser Arafat, Mashaal is often criticized for refusing to follow ceasefire agreements negotiated by the president.

On February 13, 2006 Khaled Mashaal stated that if Israel recognized the borders established after the 1948 Arab Israeli War, withdrew from The West Bank and Gaza Strip, and recognized the Palestinian Right of Return, than Hamas would enter into a ceasefire agreement. This statement was historic because it was the first time Hamas had made any suggestion of a ceasefire agreement.

On April 21, 2008 Mashaal stated that, following discussions with Jimmy Carter, that Hamas would consider a peace agreement along the 1967 Borders established after the Six Day War, but would not recognize Israel's right to exist.

Fast Facts

1. Born: 1956
2. Chairman of the Hamas political bureau
3. Longtime critic of Yasser Arafat
4. Criticized for ignoring ceasefires agreements negotiated by Yasser Arafat
5. On April 21, 2008 suggested Hamas would consider a peace agreement recognizing the 1967 Borders