Hamas leader Mashaal to step down

The supreme leader of the Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas is to step down, clearing the way for the movement to choose a new head for the first time in more than 15 years, senior officials said.

Khaled Mashaal told a recent meeting in Cairo of Hamas’ leadership that he would not run in upcoming elections for the top position, said Izzat Risheq, a confidant of Mashaal who attended the gathering. Moussa Abu Marzouk, Mashaal’s deputy, also confirmed the decision.