A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey research (PCPSR) from November 22 to December 2 reveals important data about Palestinian opinions regarding the war. The survey, which included 1,231 adults (750 in the West Bank and 481 in Gaza), is considered a recognized and credible source. Conducted primarily during the temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the poll recorded opinions of displaced Gazans as well as those who have remained in their homes, which allows for a sharper understanding of Gazans’ sense of their predicament.
Three significant insights that emerge from the survey:
1. The end of the war: 45% of respondents in the West Bank and 54% of respondents in Gaza expect a ceasefire in the coming weeks. Regarding the conclusion of the war, and along with the ceasefire in November, 70% of the West Bank and 50% of the Gazan respondents think Hamas will emerge victorious.
2. Control over Gaza the “day after”: 73% of respondents in the West Bank and 51% in Gaza believe that Hamas will continue to rule Gaza at the conclusion of the war.
3. Preferences for the government on the “day after”: 75% in the West Bank and 38% in Gaza prefer Hamas, while 7% of the overall sample prefer the PA with Abbas.
While the debate regarding the "day after" focuses on political and security control in the Gaza Strip, the decision making process among the political and military echelons must consider the reasons behind Hamas’s popularity among the West Bank and Gaza populations in Gaza. Further research on what lies behind Hamas's popularity may assist in understanding which local leadership might best meet the needs of the Gazan people.
A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey research (PCPSR) from November 22 to December 2 reveals important data about Palestinian opinions regarding the war. The survey, which included 1,231 adults (750 in the West Bank and 481 in Gaza), is considered a recognized and credible source. Conducted primarily during the temporary ceasefire in Gaza, the poll recorded opinions of displaced Gazans as well as those who have remained in their homes, which allows for a sharper understanding of Gazans’ sense of their predicament.
Three significant insights that emerge from the survey:
1. The end of the war: 45% of respondents in the West Bank and 54% of respondents in Gaza expect a ceasefire in the coming weeks. Regarding the conclusion of the war, and along with the ceasefire in November, 70% of the West Bank and 50% of the Gazan respondents think Hamas will emerge victorious.
2. Control over Gaza the “day after”: 73% of respondents in the West Bank and 51% in Gaza believe that Hamas will continue to rule Gaza at the conclusion of the war.
3. Preferences for the government on the “day after”: 75% in the West Bank and 38% in Gaza prefer Hamas, while 7% of the overall sample prefer the PA with Abbas.
While the debate regarding the "day after" focuses on political and security control in the Gaza Strip, the decision making process among the political and military echelons must consider the reasons behind Hamas’s popularity among the West Bank and Gaza populations in Gaza. Further research on what lies behind Hamas's popularity may assist in understanding which local leadership might best meet the needs of the Gazan people.