What Do Palestinians Think of Their Own Leaders?

As the war in Gaza continues, the question of Hamas’s future has become paramount. But it has also raised questions about the years of Hamas rule in Gaza—and the group’s support among Palestinians. 

Amaney Jamal is dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and co-founder of Arab Barometer, which conducts public opinion research across the Arab world. 

Her most recent survey of Palestinian public opinion wrapped up on October 6—the eve of Hamas’s attack. As she wrote in a recent piece for Foreign Affairs, “The argument that the entire population of Gaza can be held responsible for Hamas’s actions is quickly discredited when one looks at the facts.”

Sources:

“What Palestinians Really Think of Hamas” by Amaney A. Jamal and Michael Robbins

“Why Democracy Stalled in the Middle East” by Amaney A. Jamal and Michael Robbins

“A Plan for Peace in Gaza” by Salam Fayyad

“The Discourse Is Toxic. Universities Can Help.” by Amaney Jamal and 
Keren Yarhi-Milo

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