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Source: http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3658/hamas-mashaal-election
Re-election of Hamas Leader Will Not Change Islamist Movement
(Gatestone Institute) Khaled Abu Toameh - The re-election last week of Khaled Mashaal as Hamas leader has been interpreted by some Arab and Western analysts as a sign of the radical Islamist's desire to march toward "moderation and pragmatism." Their argument is apparently based on remarks made by Mashaal [in English, of course, but not in Arabic] to the effect that Hamas is prepared to accept the two-state solution. However, Mashaal has asserted that acceptance of the two-state solution does not mean recognizing Israel's right to exist. Mashaal is, in fact, saying that Hamas will accept a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem without giving up its struggle to eliminate Israel. "Hamas refuses to recognize the Zionist entity and the legitimacy of its occupation of Palestine," said Hamas spokesman Ezat al-Risheq.