Poll Reveals Declining Support for Hamas and Armed Struggle Among Palestinians

A new poll conducted by Dr. Khalil Shikaki between August 5 and 8, 2026, among 1,270 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip reveals a significant drop in public support for Hamas and armed resistance following the recent Gaza war. Support for Hamas fell from 35% to 24% overall, with a sharper decline in the West Bank (32% to 18%) compared to Gaza (41% to 33%). Meanwhile, backing for the Fatah party remained steady at 24%. The poll also shows that Marwan Barghouti is the leading candidate to succeed Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian Authority president, with 39% support.

Despite the decline in support for Hamas, 72% of Palestinians oppose disarming Hamas before a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with opposition higher in the West Bank (79%) than in Gaza (62%). Support for armed struggle as the best path to ending Israeli occupation dropped from 41% to 27%, while support for negotiations increased from 36% to 44%, and nonviolent popular resistance rose from 14% to 19%.

Regarding political leadership, 28% view Hamas as the most suitable to lead Palestinians, down from 41% ten months ago, while 21% support Fatah under Abbas, and 44% believe neither faction is fit to lead, marking a notable rise in disillusionment. On the peace plan implementation, trust in the Peace Council and the National Committee to manage Gaza remains low, especially in the West Bank.

The poll also highlights regional attitudes, with the highest approval ratings for the Houthis in Yemen (61%), Qatar (51%), Hezbollah (50%), and Iran (50%). Satisfaction with Iran has increased compared to ten months ago, while support for Qatar has declined significantly. When asked about the Gaza war's outcome, 41% expect the current situation with ongoing violence to continue, 30% foresee calm and reconstruction, and 21% anticipate a full-scale renewal of conflict.

This survey provides critical insights ahead of the Palestinian Legislative Council and presidential elections scheduled for early 2027, reflecting shifting public opinion on leadership, resistance strategies, and regional alliances.