Palestinians reject Hamas disarmament before full Israeli withdrawal, poll finds

What Happened

According to a poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) published Wednesday, more than 70 percent of Palestinians oppose Hamas disarming before Israel completely withdraws from the Gaza Strip. The survey found 72 percent believe Israel would resume what respondents described as genocide in Gaza and refuse to withdraw fully if Hamas surrendered its weapons. The poll also found that after Hamas accepted a proposal from Nickolay Mladenov, head of the US-backed "Board of Peace," 40 percent of respondents expect "the current situation to continue, with some continued killings." Israel has rejected the US proposal, the article reported.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The poll indicates that any durable ceasefire or disarmament arrangement faces strong public opposition in Gaza absent a full Israeli withdrawal, complicating the mediation track. It also records low expectations for de-escalation, which may harden negotiating positions.

Watch For

Future statements or formal responses from Israel and Hamas on the Mladenov/Board of Peace proposal; any resumption of ceasefire talks where disarmament and withdrawal sequencing are contested; further PCPSR polling tracking shifts in Palestinian public opinion.