Survey Shows Declining Support for Hamas and Armed Struggle Among Palestinians

A new survey conducted by Dr. Khalil Shikaki between August 5 and 8, 2026, reveals a significant decline in public support for Hamas and armed resistance among Palestinians. The face-to-face poll included 1,270 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, ahead of the 2027 Palestinian Legislative Council and presidential elections. Marwan Barghouti emerges as the leading candidate to succeed Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian Authority president, with 39% support.

Despite the drop in backing 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 Hamas as a political faction fell from 41% to 28% over ten months, while backing for Fatah remained steady at around 24%. The share of Palestinians who believe neither Hamas nor Fatah is fit to lead rose sharply to 44%.

Regarding strategies to end Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state, 44% now favor negotiations, up from 36%, while support for armed struggle dropped from 41% to 27%. Nonviolent popular resistance gained support, rising from 14% to 19%. Confidence in bodies managing the Trump peace plan in Gaza remains low, with only 24% trusting the Peace Council and 32% trusting the National Committee for Gaza management, though trust is higher in Gaza than in the West Bank.

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