Tensions increased dramatically when Mashal signed the unity agreement with Fatah, after stating his intention to resign as head of the political bureau. 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.
而这一紧张态势在玛沙尔宣称有意辞去流亡分支领导人一职，随后又与法塔赫签订团结协定时达到了顶峰。虽然这一宣言可能是为了要挟加沙加入其阵营，却也增强了玛沙尔在民意支持方面的自信，而流亡分支内外一致要求他留任的表态也正说明了这一点。