As Israel tries to destroy Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the reputation of radical Islamists in the West Bank is rising. A current survey by the renowned Palestinian research institute PSR shows that 44 percent of people in the autonomous areas support Hamas. In September that was only twelve percent.
In the Gaza Strip, where more than 18,600 people were killed, nearly 50,600 injured and widespread destruction was caused by Israel’s military offensive to destroy Hamas, Hamas’s reputation rose, albeit less sharply, from 38 percent to 42 percent. Meanwhile, the popularity of the more moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas continued to decline. According to the survey, 88 percent of respondents were in favor of his dismissal.
However, opinions differ among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on whether Hamas’s attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead more than two months ago, was right. While 82 percent in the West Bank supported the attack, in the directly affected coastal strip this was only 57 percent.
The majority believes in the future Hamas regime
However, only one percent of respondents in the West Bank and 17 percent in the Gaza Strip believe that Israel could achieve its war goal of destroying Hamas. Nearly two-thirds expect Hamas to continue ruling the Gaza Strip in the future.
Particularly explosive: 90 percent of respondents said Hamas had committed no atrocities in Israel, as evidenced by videos and statements from survivors.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
