Recent survey results reveal a stark consensus among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank: a large majority approve the actions associated with Hamas, including the notable October 7 operation in Israel. The research project conducted by the Palestine Research Center in Ramallah in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation provides the data for these conclusions. The study underscores how public opinion has moved in recent years and the way people frame the conflict and its broader consequences. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)
According to the findings, 72 percent of those surveyed express approval of the actions carried out by Hamas’ armed wing. This approval is not uniform across territories: 82 percent of Palestinians in the West Bank support this view, while 57 percent of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip share it. The numbers illustrate a geographic split in attitudes toward the group and its methods, reflecting local experiences and perceptions of risk, security, and political grievance. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)
In the same poll, 22 percent of respondents condemned the radical group’s actions, with a split of 12 percent in the West Bank and 37 percent in the Gaza Strip registering disapproval. A smaller segment, 6 percent, attributes the current turmoil in the region to Iranian intervention, signaling the complex regional dynamics at play. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)
On strategic outcomes, the survey shows that 70 percent of respondents in both the West Bank and Gaza expect Israel to struggle to meet its goals and to curb Hamas. Meanwhile, 22 percent foresee that Hamas may endure losses yet sustain influence, and only 8 percent believe Israel will fully accomplish its stated objectives. These projections reveal a nuanced public outlook on military and political trajectories in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)
Public statements from regional leaders have framed the ongoing conflict in stark terms. The Israeli Foreign Minister has asserted that Israel will continue its war against Hamas in Gaza, regardless of international support. The rhetoric emphasizes a belief that a ceasefire at this moment would be risky, potentially allowing Hamas to regroup and threaten Israeli security anew. This position reflects a broader debate about how to balance military action with regional diplomacy. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)
Commentators note that the question of ceasefires, mediation, and international involvement remains highly contested. The discourse around whether a pause in hostilities would help or hinder long-term stability continues to influence public opinion, policy discussions, and the strategic calculations of both sides in the conflict. The regional stance, including statements from Turkish authorities on related issues, further underscores the interconnected nature of security considerations across the Middle East. (Source: Palestine Research Center, Ramallah; Konrad Adenauer Foundation)