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Analysis

Hamas popularity triples in West Bank since Oct. 7, US support at 0%

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research’s most recent public opinion poll shows most Palestinians support Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel despite the death in Gaza and do not believe the group committed atrocities.

A Palestinian man walks past a graffiti on a wall showing the Star of David under an inverted "red triangle", a symbol used by the Palestinian Hamas movement's military wing al-Qassam Brigades to identify Israeli targets in their videos, in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on December 16,2023. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP) (Photo by HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images)
A Palestinian man walks past a graffiti on a wall showing the Star of David under an inverted "red triangle", a symbol used by the Palestinian Hamas movement's military wing al-Qassam Brigades to identify Israeli targets in their videos, in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on December 16,2023. — HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images

As the war in Gaza approaches its fourth month, the views of the Palestinians are increasingly pro-Hamas despite the massive destruction inflicted on them since the group's fighting with Israel began Oct. 7, with more than 20,000 killed and nearly 2 million displaced. 

A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research shows support for Hamas significantly rising in the West Bank, as well as an uptick in support for the option of armed struggle against Israel. 

Since the events of Oct. 7 when Hamas infiltrated southern Israel and killed over 1,100 people — mostly civilians — while taking over 200 hostages, its image and backing have only increased among Palestinians. In the West Bank, 44% voiced support for Hamas in December, compared to 12% in September. In Gaza, support for Hamas rose only slightly: 42% in December, compared to 38% in September.

PCPRS
Source: PCPSR

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