Fact Check: Palestinians support Hamas and other terror groups.

Fact Check: "Palestinians support Hamas and other terror groups."

What We Know

Recent surveys provide insight into Palestinian attitudes towards Hamas and other militant groups. According to a survey conducted by Arab Barometer, 23% of Palestinians expressed a great deal or quite a lot of trust in Hamas, while 52% reported having no trust at all in the group. Additionally, a wartime poll published by the Associated Press indicated a rise in support for Hamas, particularly in Gaza, where nearly 90% of respondents rejected the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, suggesting a shift in political sentiment towards more militant groups during times of conflict (AP News).

The Arab Barometer survey also revealed that a quarter of Palestinians supported "armed resistance" as a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, indicating some level of acceptance of militant tactics among the population (source-1). However, the survey also highlighted significant dissatisfaction with both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, suggesting that while there is some support for Hamas, it is not universal and is accompanied by a broader discontent with existing leadership (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "Palestinians support Hamas and other terror groups" is nuanced. While there is evidence of increased support for Hamas, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict, the data also shows a significant portion of the population that does not trust the group. The Arab Barometer survey indicates that a majority of Palestinians do not see Hamas as a legitimate representative of their interests (source-1).

Moreover, the wartime poll from the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research revealed that while support for Hamas has risen, there is also a strong sentiment against the Palestinian Authority, which complicates the narrative of unified support for Hamas. The pollster Khalil Shikaki noted that the erosion of the PA's legitimacy could lead to further challenges for governance in the region (source-2).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established methodologies and the credibility of the organizations conducting the surveys. Arab Barometer is recognized for its nonpartisan approach to public opinion research in the Middle East, while the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research has a history of conducting regular polls that provide valuable insights into Palestinian public opinion (source-1, source-2).

However, it is essential to consider the context in which these surveys were conducted. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis may influence respondents' views, leading to increased support for militant actions as a form of resistance against perceived oppression (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "Palestinians support Hamas and other terror groups" is Partially True. While there is a measurable level of support for Hamas among some Palestinians, particularly in the context of conflict, there is also significant distrust and dissatisfaction with the group. The political landscape is complex, with many Palestinians expressing a desire for legitimate leadership and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, rather than outright support for militant groups. This indicates that while some support exists, it is not as widespread or unequivocal as the claim suggests.