What Palestinians think of Hamas

Surveys by the Arab Barometer and Washington Institute conducted before the Israel-Hamas war found that a substantial number of Gazans are frustrated with the militant group’s leadership


How would you vote if presidential elections were held in Gaza*?

24%
Ismail Haniyeh, 61: Qatar-based political leader of Hamas

12%
Mahmoud Abbas, 87: President of Palestinian Authority since 2005

32%
Marwan Barghouti, 64: Member of Fatah, 64: Member of Fatah, imprisoned by Israel

  
How much trust do you have in the Hamas-led government*?

A great deal / quite a lot 29% 
Not a lot 23%
None at all 44%
Don’t know / no answer 4%


What is your opinion of Hamas†?  

Very positive 20%
Somewhat positive 38%
Somewhat negative 25%
Very negative 15%
Don’t know / no answer 2%
     

Hamas has been unable to improve the lives of Palestinians in Gaza† 

Strongly agree 24%
Somewhat agree 38%
Somewhat disagree 24% 
Strongly disagree 12%
Don’t know / no answer 2%
 
     
Support for democracy* 

Democracy is preferable 48%
Dictatorship under some circumstances 26%
Lack of faith in any regime 23%
Don’t know / no answer 3% 

*Arab Barometer survey of 399 respondents in Gaza aged 18+, Sep 28-Oct 6, 2023. 
†Washington Institute poll of 1,572 Palestinian adults, conducted Jul 8-27
 
 
Sources: Foreign Affairs, Washington Institute 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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