Many Gazans were hostile to Hamas ahead of the group’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel, with some describing its rule as a second occupation, according to rare polling data analyzed by a US-Palestinian researcher.
Lack of Trust in Hamas
The findings are striking against a backdrop of protests and counter-protests triggered by the attack, with the relationship between Hamas and ordinary Gazans often the subject of heated debate. Amaney Jamal, dean of Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs, stated that “67 percent of Palestinians in Gaza had little or no trust in Hamas in that period right before the attacks.” This challenges the argument that all of Gaza supports Hamas and should be held accountable for their actions.
Perceptions of Corruption and Authoritarianism
Jamal, who is one of the driving forces behind the Arab Barometer, revealed that many respondents viewed Hamas as “corrupt” and “authoritarian.” The survey found that 75 percent of respondents said they could not afford to feed their households in the previous 30 days, highlighting the impoverished state of society. The blame for this situation was placed more on Hamas corruption than on the Israeli blockade. Respondents also expressed concerns about the increasing dictatorial and authoritarian nature of the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas-led government.
Lack of Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Protest
The Arab Barometer survey conducted in Gaza and the West Bank revealed that around 60 percent of respondents believed they could not express their opinions freely and openly. Additionally, approximately 72 percent said they could not protest peacefully against the Hamas-led government due to fear of retaliation or retribution. These findings indicate a lack of freedom and democracy within Palestinian territories.
Poor Perception of Palestinian Authority
The survey also showed that the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmud Abbas, fared poorly among respondents, with only 9 percent expressing a favorable view. This suggests a lack of confidence in the leadership and governance of the Palestinian Authority.
Changing Perceptions
While the majority of respondents had a negative view of Hamas before the attack on Israel, the report cautions that perceptions may have changed due to the suffering experienced by Palestinians following the attack. Israel’s decision to cut off essential supplies such as water, food, fuel, and electricity to Gaza has plunged the territory into a deep humanitarian crisis. This may have hardened attitudes and shifted blame towards Israel.
Desire for Peaceful Reconciliation
Despite the negative view of Hamas, more than half of respondents favored a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Others opted for a Palestinian-Israeli confederation or a one-state solution. However, one-in-five respondents supported armed resistance before the events of October 7 and the subsequent Israeli military response. Jamal noted that Gazans were open to a peaceful reconciliation with Israel based on the 1967 borders.
Conclusion
The polling data analyzed by Amaney Jamal reveals a lack of trust in Hamas among many Gazans, with perceptions of corruption and authoritarianism. The survey also highlights the limited freedom of expression and peaceful protest within Palestinian territories. Despite these challenges, there is still a desire for peaceful reconciliation and a two-state solution among the majority of respondents. However, the suffering caused by the recent attack on Israel may have influenced attitudes and hardened positions. It is crucial to consider these findings when discussing the relationship between Hamas and ordinary Gazans and to avoid generalizations about the entire population’s support for the group.