(IMAGES: Wikipedia)

BY BLAKE HANSON

Some say it might be calmer waters ahead for the Gaza Strip. On Saturday the leader of Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas announced he’ll step down for personal reasons. Albawaba News writes...

“The exiled leader of the Palestinian movement Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, will not stand for another term … setting the stage for a struggle for his succession. ‘Khaled Meshaal, head of political bureau, told the Advisory Board Hamas' about his desire not to run for leadership of the movement in the future,’ said Hamas, in a statement.”

Meshaal has been the head honcho since Israel killed the group’s founder in 2004. The LA Times notes the change in leadership could mean trouble for Hamas, and help chill out the heated Gaza Strip.

“The possible departure of Meshal … is the latest sign of strife inside the Islamist group, which Israel and the U.S. accuse of supporting terrorism. A shakeup might also deal a blow to Palestinian reconciliation efforts since Meshal … was seen as a chief supporter of efforts to form a unity government with rival Palestinian movement Fatah …”

The EU and US have branded Hamas as a terrorist organization -- though a correspondent for the BBC...

“ … says that in recent months tensions over future strategy have emerged between the leadership in Gaza and those in exile. As the movement's allies in the Muslim Brotherhood have gained ground … after the Arab Spring, some within Hamas say it too should renounce violence and adopt a more moderate approach.”

It appears Hamas may not be ready to let Meshaal go, CNN writes...

“According to the statement, the Hamas leadership asked Meshaal to reconsider his decision.”