As airstrikes in Gaza continue, support for 'armed resistance' grows, Hamas popularity drops - poll

A new poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research shows support for armed resistance among Gaza residents rising from 21% to 37% amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, while Hamas identification drops from 24% to 19%. Diplomacy remains the most popular option overall at 42%. The survey also reveals growing support for independent figures like Bashar Masri over established party leaders.

A new poll by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, published Wednesday, reveals shifting Palestinian public opinion amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Support for armed resistance among Gaza residents rose sharply from 21% in August to 37%, which the think tank attributes to the strikes. Diplomacy remains the most popular path to statehood overall at 42%, with 18% backing nonviolent resistance. Hamas identification dropped to 19%, down from 24% in August and 35% ten months earlier. Fatah support stands at 22%, while 33% identify with no listed party. 62% of Palestinians say neither Israel nor Hamas won the war. The poll also shows growing support for independent figures: businessman Bashar Masri tied with imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti at 22% in a candidate list test, ahead of a joint Hamas-Dahlan list at 20%. 53% support holding Palestinian elections on schedule November 28 without delay.