Ola Alkhuffash

This article investigates the people in Gaza’s perceptions of the current war and the role of international actors in facilitating peace. A survey conducted with 1,188 respondents across Gaza reveals that 58 percent attribute responsibility for the war to Israel. The majority (58.2 percent) believe the losses in Gaza after October 7 are not worth the achievements. Respondents favor both military and diplomatic solutions, with 27.7 percent supporting a global coalition and 16.1 percent advocating for canceling relations. 64 percent of Gazans still regard Hamas as indispensable for Palestine’s future. The PLO is perceived as less legitimate and effective than Hamas. International actors seen as important to shaping Palestine’s future include Egypt, Jordan, the UN, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Türkiye while Israel faces strong opposition, as do the EU and the U.S. These findings reveal a wide range of views on Hamas and Israel, challenging the narrative that all Gazans align with Hamas. The continued legitimacy of Hamas among Gazans indicates the futility of Israel’s long-held policy of “the Iron Wall.” Support for Hamas especially during intense attacks on their group survival can be well-explained by the findings in political psychology literature.