Palestinian Support for Hamas Drops to Historic Low of 19 Percent
A new PSR poll shows Palestinian support for Hamas dropping to a historic low of 19%, while backing for independent technocratic lists surges ahead of delayed elections.
Historic Low for Hamas Support
Support for Hamas among Palestinians has dropped to a historic low since the October 7 attacks, standing at just 19%, according to a new poll by the PSR institute conducted on October 14. This is the lowest support level measured for the terror organization in the past three years.
In the Gaza Strip, support was recorded at 27%, compared to 41% following the October 2025 ceasefire. In the West Bank, current support stands at 13%. Meanwhile, Fatah is also registering record lows in popularity, hovering around 22%.
According to the Amit Research Institute, the decline in backing for Hamas is a direct consequence of three years of war, which has inflicted severe blows on the Palestinian population. Conversely, the drop in support for Fatah highlights a deep crisis of confidence in the traditional Palestinian leadership.
Rise in Militancy Despite Disillusionment
The continuation of support for armed struggle reflects a certain despair regarding the ability to achieve Palestinian aspirations through diplomatic means.
Despite the plunge in backing for Hamas, support for terror rose to 37%, compared to 21% in the previous poll from August 2026. In the West Bank, 29% expressed a similar view, a decrease from previous polls. However, between 41% and 43% in both regions expressed support for a political process.
Nearly two-thirds of all respondents stated that neither side is expected to emerge victorious from the war. Only 16% said Hamas is winning, while 17% pointed to Israel as the victor. In Gaza, a distinct gap was evident: only 17% said Hamas is winning, compared to 28% who expressed a similar view regarding Israel.
Palestinian Elections and Independent Lists
Against the backdrop of the postponement of Palestinian elections to September 2027, 52% of respondents expressed a preference for the vote to be held on its original schedule. 55% of registered voters said they intend to participate.
Data indicates that 56% of respondents are willing to vote for a new independent list composed of technocrats and professionals. Among nine lists, an independent national list led by industrialist Bashar al-Masri and a list led by Qadura Fares and Fadwa Barghouti—backed by imprisoned leader Marwan Barghouti—tied for first place with 22% each. A joint list of Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan followed with 20%, while Fatah's official list came in fourth with 13%.
