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Source: https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22802/palestinians-preferred-leaders-terrorists
Palestinians' Preferred Leaders: A Convicted Fatah Terrorist or Hamas
(Gatestone Institute) Bassam Tawil - A survey, conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank and Gaza on Aug. 5-8, 2026, reveals that although support for Hamas has declined, the fundamental political attitudes that have plagued Palestinian society for decades remain largely intact. Hamas remains a major political force; convicted terrorists and Hamas leaders remain popular candidates for the Palestinian Authority (PA) presidency; overwhelming majorities oppose the unconditional disarmament of Hamas; and Iran, Hizbullah, and the Houthis in Yemen continue to enjoy remarkably high approval ratings. Asked who is most suitable to succeed PA President Mahmoud Abbas, 39% chose imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti. Barghouti is not some imprisoned Palestinian political dissident. An Israeli court convicted him in 2004 of five counts of murder stemming from three terrorist attacks. He was sentenced to five consecutive life terms plus 40 years. This is the man most Palestinian voters would like to see as their next president. The second-place candidate is the head of Hamas - the same Hamas that carried out the Oct. 7 massacre. 72% say Hamas should not disarm before Israel completely withdraws from Gaza. Opposition to disarming Hamas reaches 79% in the West Bank and 62% in Gaza. Nearly 3/4 believe Hamas should be allowed to retain its weapons and continue functioning as an armed organization. This should be of particular concern to the Trump Administration and anyone expecting Hamas to disarm as part of the latest Gaza arrangements. Whatever the U.S. administration's intentions, the recent meeting between U.S. envoy Jared Kushner and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo provides Hamas with international legitimacy. Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, can present the encounter to Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims as evidence that its strategy has succeeded. The message is that terrorism pays. If you carry out attacks, take hostages, retain your weapons and survive long enough - eventually the Americans will negotiate with you. This perception is particularly dangerous just months before Palestinian elections. Instead of politically isolating Hamas, direct high-level engagement helps portray the terrorist group as an indispensable regional actor.