Majority of Palestinians Support Hamas Attack on Israel
Bodies of victims of an attack, following a mass infiltration by Hamas gunmen. (Reuters)
A recent poll conducted by a research organization based in the West Bank reveals that a majority of Palestinians are in support of Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. This poll, released by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, shows that 72 percent of Palestinian respondents believe that the attacks were the correct decision given the outcome. Notably, support for the attacks was higher among West Bank residents, with 82 percent agreeing that they were the right course of action. In Gaza, 57 percent supported the attacks, while 37 percent disagreed.
It is important to note that the poll does not indicate support for the atrocities committed by Hamas during the attacks. In fact, a majority of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank acknowledged that attacking or killing civilians in their homes violated international law. 85 percent of respondents stated that they did not see videos of Hamas terrorists committing these atrocities, and only 7 percent believed that Hamas was responsible for them.
Furthermore, the poll revealed that 72 percent of Palestinians expressed satisfaction with Hamas’s performance in the war. This sentiment was particularly strong among West Bank residents, with 85 percent expressing satisfaction, while 52 percent of Gazans shared the same view. In comparison, only 10 percent of West Bank residents were satisfied with the Palestinian Authority, while 21 percent of Gazans felt the same way.
The results of the poll indicate a significant increase in support for Hamas in the West Bank since October 7, while support in Gaza has also seen a slight rise. However, researchers noted that this increase in support during or after wartime is not uncommon and is often followed by a decline to levels lower than before the conflict.
These findings come shortly after President Joe Biden called for a “revitalized” Palestinian Authority to take control of the enclave following the war. However, the Palestinian Authority’s credibility was called into question when they published a statement, later deleted, claiming that Israeli helicopters, not Hamas, were responsible for the massacre at a music festival. It is worth noting that there are reports suggesting that the Palestinian Authority’s leader, Mahmoud Abbas, did not approve the publication of this statement.
How does the support for the attack differ between residents of the West Bank and Gaza?
The Hamas attack on Israel that took place on October 7, 2022, has been met with varying reactions from the international community. While many countries have condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, a recent poll suggests that a majority of Palestinians support Hamas’s actions.
The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, based in the West Bank, conducted the poll to gauge the sentiments of Palestinians following the attack. The results were quite surprising, with 72 percent of Palestinian respondents expressing their approval of the attack. These respondents believed that the attack was the correct decision given the outcome.
Interestingly, support for the attack was higher among residents of the West Bank, with a staggering 82 percent agreeing that it was the right course of action. In Gaza, where the attack took place, support was lower at 57 percent, with 37 percent disagreeing with the attack.
The poll results shed light on the complex political landscape in the Palestinian territories. They highlight the deep-rooted frustration and anger that many Palestinians feel towards Israel’s occupation of their land and the ongoing conflict in the region. It is important to note that these findings do not condone violence or justify any attacks on innocent civilians. However, they do provide important insights into the mindset and opinions of a significant portion of the Palestinian population.
The support for the attack can be partly attributed to the perceived inability of the international community to address the underlying grievances of the Palestinians. Many Palestinians feel abandoned and disregarded by the international community, which they perceive as siding with Israel. This frustration combined with the prevailing socio-political climate in the region has fueled support for such acts of violence.
It is crucial for global leaders and policymakers to take note of these poll results and understand the sentiments of the Palestinian people. Their grievances cannot be ignored or dismissed, as they form the basis for the ongoing conflict in the region. Addressing these issues in a just and equitable manner is essential to bringing about a lasting peace in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research highlights the support that a majority of Palestinians have for the Hamas attack on Israel. While the findings are alarming, they underline the need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is imperative for the international community to recognize and address the grievances of the Palestinian people to pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for both Palestinians and Israelis alike.
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