‘Hamas is very popular in Judea and Samaria’

Meir Ben Shabbat: A political rivalry exists between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, and there is a competition for public support. According to various polls, Hamas is currently very popular among the residents of Judea and Samaria, while Abu Mazen [Mahmoud Abbas] and the Palestinian Authority lag behind and are viewed negatively by a considerable part of the public

From time to time, criticism is heard from senior PA officials against Hamas, mainly about the suffering caused to the population because of it. There is no real impact from these statements. It is clear to everyone that they are said to bash Hamas and to create a distinction between it and the PA.

Published in JNS, August 27, 2025.