Toto oznámení možná bylo politickým vyděračstvím s cílem srovnat Gazu „do latě“, ale zároveň zdůraznilo Mašálovu víru ve vlastní popularitu, kterou poté stvrdily projevy podpory zevnitř i vně politbyra, aby zůstal v čele.
While that announcement may have been political blackmail aimed at forcing Gaza into line, it underscored Mashal’s confidence in his popularity, which has since been vindicated by expressions of support from both within and outside of the political bureau for him to remain in charge.