Hamas popularity soars after Gaza war, poll finds

The popularity of the Hamas militant group among Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip has spiked significantly following the 50-day war with Israel, according to an opinion poll. The poll, conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, and headed by leading Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki, indicates that 61 per cent of Palestinians would choose the Islamic militant group’s leader, Ismail Haniyeh, for president if Palestinian presidential elections were held today.

He has to choose. It’s either yes to Hamas or no to Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing President Mahmoud Abbas on Israel’s Channel Two station

Only 32 per cent would vote for current President Mahmoud Abbas, Hamas’ rival, the survey suggested. The support for Haniyeh marks a stark increase from a poll in June, conducted by the same pollster, which found only 41 per cent of Palestinians backed the Hamas figure. At the time, Abbas had 53 per cent support. The poll also suggests a majority of Palestinians—72 per cent—support adopting Hamas’ armed approach in the West Bank.

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