A poll published on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research has reavealed a significant increase in popularity for Hamas and its leaders. If legislative elections were held, 46% said they would back Hamas, and increase of 14% from a similar poll carried out in June.
 61% of those questioned would support Ismail Haniyeh in Presidential elections compared to only 32% stating they would back current President Mahmoud Abbas. Whilst the Gaza war's effect on public opinion is evident, this is the first time in 8 years that the Policy and Research Center has recorded such support for Hamas. It was noted, however, that "as in previous cases, these changes might be temporary and things might revert in the next several months to where they were before the war."
This latest survey of 1,270 Palestinians revealed equally that 79% believe Hamas won the war against Israel. 25% supported disarming armed groups in the Gaza strip with the ending of the seige and elections carried out.