A recent poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research has revealed a dramatic shift in Arab public opinion, with Hamas enjoying record-high approval ratings while support for the Palestinian Authority (PA) plummets to a new low.

The survey found that a staggering 75% of Arabs are satisfied with Hamas’s performance against Israel, a five-point increase since March. In contrast, satisfaction with the PA has hit rock bottom, with only 9% expressing approval of its floundering governance.

Two-thirds of Palestinians also believe that Hamas was correct in launching its October 7 massacre against Israel’s innocents, a slight decrease from three months ago. Furthermore, a growing majority (82%) believe Oct. 7 revived international attention to the “Arab cause” and that it could lead to increased recognition of Palestinian statehood.

In a hypothetical election, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh would trounce PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, receiving 43% of the vote compared to a mere 11% for Abbas. Almost 60% of Arabs now favor disbanding the PA entirely, while nearly three-quarters believe Abbas will fail to implement reforms demanded by the Biden administration and other Arab nations.

As Israel and the US grapple with how to secure a peaceful future in Gaza, the poll’s findings, taken between May 26 and June 1, dangerously shows the rising popularity of Hamas despite their murderous doctrine.