{
  "id": 14733656,
  "title": "As airstrikes in Gaza continue, support for 'armed resistance' grows, Hamas popularity drops - poll",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/as-airstrikes-in-gaza-continue-support-for-armed-resistance-grows",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T16:08:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-911853"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research reveals a shift in Palestinian sentiment regarding armed resistance and statehood. While 53% of Palestinians surveyed support a two-state agreement with Jerusalem as the capital, only 48% in Gaza expressed support for such an arrangement. The survey, which polled 909 Palestinians in the West Bank and 488 in Gaza, had a margin of error of 3.5%.\n\n41% of respondents cited Israeli settlement expansion as the main obstacle to Palestinian statehood, with 23% attributing it to internal Palestinian divisions. In Gaza, support for armed resistance increased from 21% to 37% compared to a previous August poll, indicating a growing acceptance of militant action. Diplomacy remained the preferred option, with 42% backing it, followed by 18% supporting nonviolent resistance.\n\nDespite this rise in support for armed resistance, 62% of Palestinians polled believe neither Israel nor Hamas emerged victorious in the conflict. Furthermore, 69% in Gaza and 78% in the West Bank expect Israel to withdraw from Gaza before Hamas disarms. However, 61% of Palestinians surveyed expect insecurity to persist following the ceasefire.\n\nPartisan affiliations have also evolved. Only 19% of Palestinians identify with Hamas, down from 24% in August and 35% a year ago. Less than a quarter (22%) support Fatah, while 33% have no preference for any listed party.\n\nAbbas has pushed back the Palestinian Authority elections scheduled for November 28, with 53% of respondents supporting the original date, 21% favoring a postponement of under six months, and 20% opposing the elections altogether. Voter turnout intention is estimated at 55%, but only 31% of young citizens aged 18-22 are registered to vote, with their voting intention at just 46%.\n\nIndependent candidates, such as Bashar Masri and Mustafa Barghouti, are gaining traction. Masri received 22% of support, tied with Marwan Barghouti's list, while Mustafa Barghouti garnered 29% of trust in his ability to manage Gaza's economic recovery and cost of living. However, confidence in senior Palestinian Authority figures remains low, with only 6% trusting Hussein al-Sheikh and 8% trusting Jibril Rajoub.",
  "summary": "Though Marwan Barghouti remains the most popular figure in Palestinian politics, support for independent figures like Bashar Masri and Mustafa Barghouti is steadily growing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Welsh parliament drops poet from opening ceremony after Gaza reference in poem",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/welsh-parliament-drops-poet-from-opening-ceremony-after-gaza",
        "published": "2026-10-15T14:12:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}