Gazans Discontent with Hamas Revealed in Pre-Attack Survey Data

A rare and comprehensive survey conducted shortly before the Hamas 7 October attack on Israel has unveiled a stark discontent among the population in Gaza against their ruling party, Hamas. This revealing data comes from a US-Palestinian research collaboration analyzing the sentiments of Gazans during a period of escalating tensions in the region.

Dean Amaney Jamal of Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs spearheaded the analysis of the survey data, which pointed to a significant disillusionment with Hamas among Gazans. With her knowledge grounded in both American and Palestinian insights, Jamal dissected the intricate and often misunderstood dynamics in Gaza.

Jamal's work exposed that a large percentage of Gaza's residents lacked faith in Hamas, with 67% reporting low trust in the group just before the attacks. The reasoning behind this mistrust was rooted in perceptions of corruption and ineffectiveness facing the region. She highlighted that the commonly held view that all Gazans are proponents of Hamas is clearly contradicted by survey data.

This data becomes more poignant considering the subsequent protests and counter-protests sparked by the attack, illustrating a contentious relationship between Hamas and Gazan civilians. Jamal identified economic despair as a central concern, noting that a staggering 75% of those surveyed had been unable to afford adequate food for their families in the 30 days preceding the survey. Many blamed Hamas and its perceived corrupt governance for their dire circumstances, possibly more so than the much-debated Israeli blockade.

The findings, derived from the Arab Barometer's fieldwork conducted at the end of September through 6 October, further mentioned concerns regarding freedom of expression and peaceful protest. A majority feared retaliation from Hamas, painting a picture of an authoritarian regime that stands on shaky grounds with its populace.

Discussing governance in the broader Palestinian territories, the survey pointed out a similar disenchantment with the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. As per the data, a measly 9% held a favorable view of President Mahmud Abbas's administration.

However, the report offered a word of caution. It underscored the potential for fluctuating public opinions in the volatile aftermath of the attack and the severe Israeli military response, which severed essential supplies to Gaza, exacerbating an already devastating humanitarian crisis.

Amid these challenging conditions, the survey found a pre-attack openness among Gazans to a peaceful resolution with Israel, with over half favoring a two-state solution. Yet, the weight of recent events may shift public perceptions and the willingness to consider various solutions to the long-standing conflict, including armed resistance, which one-in-five supported before the 7 October ordeal.