Majority of Gazans consider Oct. 7 attack wrong, support for Hamas fluctuates

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A recent poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research indicates that a majority of Gazans now believe that the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas was wrong. Of the 410 Gazans surveyed, 59% disapproved of the attack, while 39% viewed it as the correct decision. This marks a significant shift in opinion, as just three months earlier, 57% of Gaza residents approved of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 250 others.

The survey highlights that support for the attack remains higher among Palestinians in the West Bank, where 64% affirmed it was the right choice. When combining responses from both regions, 54% of Palestinians expressed support for the attack. The research center noted that while there is a decline in support for the Oct. 7 attack, it does not necessarily reflect a decrease in overall support for Hamas.

The poll found that approximately 90% of the respondents believed that Hamas militants did not commit the atrocities depicted in videos from the attack. Many Palestinians see the attack as having brought international attention to their cause, with over two-thirds believing it has highlighted the Palestinian issue after years of neglect.

The ongoing war has resulted in the deaths of about 40,000 individuals in Gaza, with concerns about widespread disease and hunger. As the anniversary of the attack approaches, roughly 100 Israelis remain hostage, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has opposed efforts to negotiate a ceasefire.