Hamas support plunges among Palestinians as Barghouti emerges as top Abbas successor – poll

A recent survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) indicates a significant decline in support for Hamas, falling from 35% to 24% in 10 months, now on par with Fatah. This decline, particularly in the West Bank, is attributed to a reversal of post-October 7 support, with only 20% now believing Hamas won the Gaza conflict, down from 39%. Despite this, 72% of Palestinians oppose Hamas disarming before a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The most dramatic finding has to do with the fact that Hamas has lost significant support from the Palestinian public.

The poll also reveals a growing preference for negotiations (44%) over armed struggle (27%) as the most effective strategy for achieving Palestinian objectives. Imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Mahmoud Abbas, with 39% support, and would win a hypothetical presidential election with 54% of the vote. The findings suggest a broad distrust in current Palestinian leadership, creating an opening for new political figures and parties in the upcoming legislative elections.