Following multiple meetings with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal has reportedly come out in favor of negotiations with Israel and supporting the idea of a two-state solution.

Top PLO official Saeb Erekat, a member of the Fatah faction, has cheered the announcement, the first time a Hamas leader has so publicly endorsed the idea of a peace treaty.

Mashaal’s change of position is likely fueled at least in part by his interest in replacing Mahmoud Abbas as the head of the PLO, and reports that King Abdullah, an outspoken advocate of the two-state solution, is backing Mashaal’s bid.

Though Hamas has solid support in Palestine and could conceivably replace Fatah at the head of the PLO, doing so would be difficult without some acquiescence, if only privately, from the US and Israel. This change could go a long way toward that, though, Israeli officials will likely not publicly admit if their position on Hamas changes as a result.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

• US Halts Aid Into Northern Syria, Citing Islamist Gains - December 10th, 2013
• Senate Hawks Push Iran Sanctions, But Delay Likely - December 10th, 2013
• Military Budget Deal Skips Sequestration, Erases $22 Billion in Cuts - December 10th, 2013
• Israelis, Palestinians Agree: Peace Talks Not Accomplishing Anything - December 10th, 2013
• Syrian Activists, Including Key Lawyer, Kidnapped by Suspected Islamists Near Damascus - December 10th, 2013