The tactical success of the Hamas attack on October 7, and the tragic casualties inflicted on the population of Gaza since then, could be expected to drive Palestinians into the arms of Hamas. Has this in fact happened? No, at least not on the anticipated scale. While support for Hamas has increased modestly since the war began, it still falls short of a majority and the basic structure of Palestinian public opinion has not shifted that much. And about half of Palestinians still choose a two-state solution to the conflict when asked their preference (with slightly greater support in Gaza than in the West Bank!).
I'd been wondering how attitudes might have shifted since the start of the war in Gaza, and this is very hopeful news. I hope that they haven't shifted much further in the months since the November poll, nor become less likely to rebound.
I'd been wondering how attitudes might have shifted since the start of the war in Gaza, and this is very hopeful news. I hope that they haven't shifted much further in the months since the November poll, nor become less likely to rebound.