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Source: http://www.inss.org.il/upload/(FILE)1355644671.pdf
Mashal's Visit to Gaza and the Future of Hamas
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Benedetta Berti - The recent visit to Gaza by Khaled Mashal, the Chairman of Hamas' Political Bureau, confirms the internal shift in the group's balance of power. The role and status of the political bureau in the diaspora acquired additional power and relevance after Israel's assassinations of Gaza-based leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abd al-Aziz Rantisi in March 2004. However, following Hamas' electoral victory in January 2006 and, most importantly, after the June 2007 armed takeover of Gaza, the center of power has been slowly shifting back to Gaza. Mashal's visit de facto recognizes the rise of the Gaza leadership. By paying a visit to Gaza, Mashal is outwardly falling in line with Hamas' investment on keeping power in the Strip. Yet behind the scenes, it is likely that the pre-existing disagreements continue, especially when it comes to internal reconciliation with Fatah.