Palestinians reject Hamas disarmament before full Israeli withdrawal, poll finds

What Happened

A survey published Wednesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research indicates that 72 percent of Palestinians oppose Hamas disarming prior to a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, citing fears that Israel would resume military operations. The poll also highlights significant dissatisfaction with the Palestinian Authority, with 79 percent of respondents calling for the resignation of President Mahmoud Abbas and 83 percent reporting perceptions of institutional corruption.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The findings underscore a deep-seated lack of public confidence in both the Palestinian Authority and US-backed diplomatic initiatives for post-war Gaza. The data suggests that the ongoing conflict and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank have hardened public opinion against disarmament, complicating potential governance transitions or ceasefire negotiations.

Watch For

Monitor future polling data for shifts in support for potential successors like Marwan Barghouti and Khalil al-Hayya, as well as any changes in Palestinian public sentiment regarding the US-backed Board of Peace and its proposed Gaza administration plans.