The kidnappers were demanding the release of their leader, SheikhAhmed Yassin, and 200 Hamas extremists being held in Israeli jails.
BBC: 14 October
2.
Mr Meshaal was appointed a leader of Hamas in 2004, after Israel assassinated the movement's founder, SheikhAhmed Yassin, and his successor Abdel Aziz Rantissi.
BBC: Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal 'to step down'
3.
Militants claiming to represent Hamas said that it was reponsible and gave warning of more attacks unless Palestinian prisoners, including the movement's leader, SheikhAhmed Yassin, were released by August 3rd.