Poll Shows Decline in Trust for Hamas and Fatah Among Palestinians

A new poll by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center (JMCC) reveals a significant crisis of confidence in Palestinian political leadership, with 55% of respondents stating they do not trust any existing political factions or figures. The survey, conducted between August 20 and 25 among 1,200 people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, shows that trust in Hamas fell to 6.7%, down from 12% in July 2022. Trust in Fatah also declined, falling from 28.8% to 22.3%.

Regarding the October 7 attacks, the poll indicates a shift in perception. Only 15.7% of respondents in the West Bank viewed the attack as serving the Palestinian national interest, a decrease from 45% in September 2024. Conversely, 50.1% of those respondents said the attack harmed national interests. The data further shows a preference for peaceful negotiations, with 55.8% of Palestinians viewing them as the best way to achieve national goals, compared to 13.3% who favor armed resistance.

Looking toward the legislative elections scheduled for November 28, the poll found that Fatah remains more popular than Hamas. Approximately 27.5% of respondents said they would vote for Fatah, while only 7.6% said they would vote for Hamas. However, confidence in the process remains split, with 46.8% believing the elections would improve the situation and 46.4% believing they would have no impact or worsen things.

Trust in individual leaders remains low. Only 6.9% of respondents expressed trust in Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and 6.3% trusted jailed leader Marwan Barghouti. The survey also noted a rise in support for a two state solution, which was favored by 47.9% of respondents, up from 27.3% in September 2023.