In a compelling report by Mohammad Al-Kassim [1] for The Media Line, a recent poll has shown a steadfast majority of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank supporting the Hamas attacks on Israel from October 7, despite international pressures and the ongoing conflict’s toll. According to the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 71% of respondents endorse the justifiability of these attacks, a slight decrease from December’s 72%. These figures emerge amid a backdrop of significant casualties, with the Hamas-run government in Gaza reporting over 32,000 Palestinians dead.
This survey underscores the deep-rooted and complex sentiments among Palestinians, many of whom, disillusioned with decades of stalled political progress and international diplomacy, now see “armed resistance” in the form of terrorism as the only path forward. This shift has notably increased Hamas’ support in Gaza from 57% to 71% over three months, despite a slight decline in the West Bank.
Critics, like Israeli journalist-turned-political-analyst Eli Nissan, find these trends alarming, emphasizing the widening gap between the conflicting sides. The poll also reflects on governance preferences, with a notable plurality expressing disenchantment with the electoral process and a lean toward Hamas over the Fatah movement led by Mahmoud Abbas, whose popularity has significantly waned.
This comprehensive article sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenging road ahead for any peace process. For a more in-depth exploration of these findings and their implications, readers are invited to read the full article [1] on The Media Line’s website.