Public Opinion Poll September 2005, Poll No. 17 - Foundation Office Palestinian Territories
Single title
On the eve of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, 84% see it as victory for armed resistance and 40% give Hamas most of the credit for it; but 62% are opposed to continued attacks against Israelis from the Gaza Strip, 60% support collection of arms from armed groups in Gaza, Fateh’s electoral standing improved at Hamas’ expense (47% to 30%), optimism prevails over pessimism, and 73% support the establishment of a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip that would gradually extend to the West Bank
Three main findings emerge:
(1) The Palestinian public views the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as victory for armed resistance to occupation; it gives Hamas most of the credit for this achievement.
(2) In the meanwhile, with the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip underway, public top priorities are shifting: focus is now placed on matters of reconstruction and state building such as economic conditions, corruption, and law and order.
(3) The change in priorities is weakening interest in armed resistance and increases demands for its cessation. Moreover, the change in the hierarchy of priorities is weakening the electoral appeal of Hamas and strengthening that of Fateh in anticipation of the upcoming parliamentary elections.