Recent polling by Dr. Khalil Shikaki reveals a significant rise in Palestinian support for Hamas, now at around 40% in Gaza and the West Bank, largely driven by perceptions of the group's policies rather than ideological alignment. Despite this surge, a majority of Palestinians still favor peace with Israel, reflecting a complex political landscape marked by frustration with the Palestinian Authority. Concurrently, Fatah official Abbas Zaki noted growing resistance in the West Bank, supported by Iran and Hizbullah, indicating a potential shift towards armed struggle. A separate survey highlights a declining sense of Palestinian national identity, as many younger individuals identify more closely with their family clans than with broader nationalism. Additionally, a significant portion of West Bank Palestinians opposes acquiring Israeli citizenship and expresses a preference for ties with Jordan over Iran. Amidst these dynamics, Shikaki remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for peace, emphasizing the need for effective leadership to guide the region forward.