The findings of a public opinion poll that questioned residents of the Gaza Strip in August have been released by the Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD), revealing their stance on Hamas, Israel, and the war.
As the Israel-Hamas war approached the one-year mark, the poll, which analyzed the responses of over 500 residents across all five governorates of the Gaza Strip, showed insights into the public’s current preferences for the future of Palestinians regarding socio-political dynamics, governance, and future prospects.
The study compared Gazans' answers to those given in an AWRAD poll conducted in May, highlighting key shifts in public opinion over the summer.
Respondents were contacted several times and live-monitored to ensure the integrity of the results.
According to the survey, hope for a two-state solution has decreased since May, while support for a "one state for two nations" plan increased. The latter is still overwhelmingly unpopular, at 19%, compared to the two-state 62%.
Less than half of Gazans reported feeling optimistic about Palestine’s future, with an overwhelming 77% believing Palestine is heading in the wrong direction.
The Israel-Hamas war
Regarding the current conflict, 60% of Gazans believed the war would end within three months of the survey.
When questioned about Gazans' current concerns, nearly half stated that the most immediate concern should be allowing people to settle without fear of relocating again.
Only 4% of those polled believed the most pressing issue was securing health services.
Humanitarian efforts
On the subject of humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation, the majority of the population have placed their trust in UNWRA to lead recovery and rebuilding and strongly believe that the UN agency has provided the most humanitarian aid to citizens.
A high number, 79% of those polled, preferred the UN for this, with only about 1% trusting Hamas.
Additionally, only about a third of Gazans believed Hamas was serious about national unity.
Ceasefire
Nearly all those polled expressed a desire for a ceasefire, with 85% supporting a hostage-prisoner exchange.
Elections
The vast majority of Gazans expressed support for elections, both presidential and legislative, after the war, as 46% reported feeling unsatisfied with how PA leader Dr. Muhammed Mustafa has been supporting Gaza.
However, no single party had a proper majority.
Fatah received the highest level of support at 47%, with a mere 6% supporting a Hamas-led Palestine.