Hamas approval ratings soar amid improving security in Gaza: Polls

Polls show that security is a key factor in the recovery of Hamas support, and residents say looting has plummeted.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on November 18 that Hamas has been recovering its approval rating among Gaza residents since the ceasefire, reversing the decline seen during the U.S.-Israel genocide.

The surge in approval ratings is a major obstacle to U.S.-led plans to force Hamas to disarm and exclude it from Gaza’s future rule.

According to the WSJ, the change came as Israeli troops withdrew to the so-called Yellow Line, and Hamas fighters returned to the streets to patrol communities, crack down on criminal organizations, and check Israeli-backed competitors.

Gazans welcome a return to basic order after months of turmoil. “Even those who do not support Hamas want security,” Gaza City businessman Hazem Sarur told the WSJ.

He continued: “We’ve seen total collapse, robbery, bullying, lawlessness. Hamas was the only one who could stop it, and that’s why people are supporting them.” Another Gaza resident cited by the WSJ said the same. “Even those who oppose Hamas, the concept of security itself, is what everyone wants.” As Hamas’ security unit, known as the Blue Police, returned to action, theft and exploitation declined sharply.

According to UN agencies, more than 80% of humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza was looted or intercepted before the ceasefire, but it has fallen to about 5% in the past month.

The World Food Program (WFP) said on October 22 that “not a single looting of relief vehicles has occurred in Gaza since the blackout,” adding that it was clearly different from the widespread confusion during the previous allocation process.

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Polling reported that Hamas’ approval rating for its wartime performance rose from 39% last year to 51% in a recent survey.

Most Gaza residents oppose U.S.-led plans, including the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of international forces, with 55% opposed to forced disarmament and 52% opposed to the deployment of international forces to carry it out.

The WSJ evaluated that this trend of public opinion makes it difficult to make progress in the “second phase” of the plan pursued by the United States, or the stage where Hamas gives up its arms.

Analysts cited by the Wall Street Journal said the findings showed “Has not weakened as much as the Israeli authorities claimed.” One pollster said.

“There is no way Hamas will disappear tomorrow. We have to accept it.”
-The Cradle