Poll: 2 Years After Oct. 7, Majority Palestinians Say Hamas Was Right to Attack — 86% Deny Civilian Atrocities

A recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) reveals that even two years after the horrific events of October 7, 2023, a significant portion of the Palestinian population still supports Hamas's decision to launch the attack against Israel. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, is viewed by 53 percent of Palestinians as justified. This support is notably stronger in the West Bank, where 59 percent back the assault, compared to 44 percent in the Gaza Strip—where support has actually increased by seven points since May. In addition to the support for the attack, the poll reveals a widespread denial of the atrocities committed by Hamas during the assault. Despite extensive evidence including video footage, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic documentation proving that Hamas militants systematically targeted civilians— killing entire families, including women and children—86 percent of Palestinians surveyed deny that these atrocities occurred. Only ten percent acknowledge the well-documented attacks on civilians, highlighting a deep disconnect between international reporting and local perceptions. Hamas’s political influence remains strong within Palestinian society. When asked about legislative elections hypothetically held today, 44 percent of respondents said they would vote for Hamas, while only 30 percent favored Fatah, their main political rival. On a leadership level, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal leads President Mahmoud Abbas by a wide margin in a presidential contest scenario, with 63 percent support compared to Abbas’s 27 percent. The poll also indicates that a majority of Palestinians express satisfaction with Hamas’s performance during the war. Sixty percent overall approve, with this figure rising to 66 percent in the West Bank and standing at 51 percent in Gaza. This suggests that despite the controversy and violence, Hamas retains considerable backing from the population it governs and claims to represent. These findings underscore the complex realities on the ground, where political loyalties and narratives about the conflict diverge sharply from external perspectives. The denial of atrocities by such a large percentage of Palestinians complicates efforts for reconciliation or peace, as acknowledgment of violence is often a critical step in conflict resolution. Meanwhile, Hamas’s sustained popularity challenges assumptions about weakened support for militant factions despite military setbacks and international condemnation. The poll paints a picture of a deeply divided public opinion that continues to support hardline approaches even after two years of violence and suffering. This situation poses significant challenges for regional stability and peace processes, as long-standing grievances and narratives continue to fuel ongoing tensions and conflict dynamics.