Born in Rafah, Gaza, in 1967; began to study at the Islamic University in Gaza but was imprisoned for over five years for his political involvement; was released in 1994 and continued his studies, graduating with a BA in History from the Islamic University; was elected Head of the Islamic University Student Council between 1994-97 and head of the Islamic bloc until 2002; worked as coordinator of the Continuing Education Dept. at the same University from 1998-2001; pursued his graduate studies in History in the Islamic University while also lecturing in the History Dept. and earned his MA in 2004; continues his work as lecturer; official spokesman of Hamas in Gaza; serves as Hamas’ representative to the Follow-Up Committee of the Palestinian Higher National Committee since summer 2005; was Involved in ceasefire and Palestinian unity talks in the last few years.