Meshaal's Non-Recognition

On Wednesday, exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal was quoted as saying that Israel exists. This has led to an ostensible question over whether that was a softening of his hard-line rejection of Israel, with Hamas spokespeople insisting it wasn't. There may have been some diplomatic hint involved, but there's a difference between the practical recognition of reality and formal diplomatic recognition. On the other hand, he may be trying to soften Israelis up to accept negotiations with Hamas. Given his ties to the Syrian regime, this could also be seen as part of their ongoing quest for peace talks.