(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Hamas recently issued an official document, in Arabic and English, to appeal to international public opinion and try to correct its negative image. A new survey, conducted by Dr. Irwin J. Mansdorf of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, a political psychologist, sought to examine whether the American public believes Hamas' false claims. The poll shows that up to 35% of people under the age of 45 support Hamas' claims. This support is also evident among 20% of those who define themselves as supporters of Israel's war in Gaza. The new findings indicate that a significant part of the population accepts pro-Palestinian claims that deny or minimize Hamas' deliberate harm to civilians, the rape of women, and the kidnapping of Israeli hostages. For participants under the age of 45, support for the false claims ranges from 27-35%, while among respondents over 45, support ranges from 15-25%. Among the younger Americans, 25% agreed with Hamas that the Israeli citizens kidnapped in Gaza are treated "in a positive and kind manner" (compared to 16% of the older participants). Regarding Hamas' claims that no intentional acts of rape were committed against Israeli women, 27% of Americans under 45 agreed, compared to 17% of the older respondents. "This is further evidence of the challenges facing Israel in the psychological warfare of the Palestinian groups," said Mansdorf.
2024-02-05 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive