Gaza War: Palestinian Poll Shows Rise In Hamas Support, Around 90% Want US-Backed Abbas To Resign

A recent opinion poll conducted among Palestinians, released on Wednesday, indicates an increase in support for Hamas, even in the war-torn Gaza Strip. 

Simultaneously, there is a substantial rejection of Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, with almost 90 per cent of respondents expressing the belief that he should resign.

The survey, carried out from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, involved 1,231 participants in the West Bank and Gaza, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. It sheds light on Palestinian perspectives regarding the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties.

The subsequent Israeli war on Gaza led to the killing of 18,608 Palestinians and the death toll increases each day as the war continues.

Conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR), the poll reveals that support for Hamas has more than tripled in the West Bank compared to three months ago. While still a minority, 70 per cent of respondents believe that armed struggle is the most effective means to end the Israeli occupation.

Conversely, support for President Abbas has sharply declined following the Hamas attacks, with over 90 per cent of Palestinians in the West Bank calling for his resignation. 

These findings suggest challenges for the Biden administration's postwar vision for Gaza and question Israel's goal of dismantling Hamas' military and governing capabilities.

The Biden administration has advocated for the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, to eventually take control of Gaza and administer both territories as a step toward statehood. 

However, Palestinian protesters and activists have long accused Abbas of not actively addressing Israeli aggression, viewing his government in the West Bank as colluding with Israel.

Hamas operates primarily in Gaza while the Palestinian Authority led by Abbas governs the West Bank.