Popularity of Hamas increases - Poll

On the basis of new poll conducted in the Palestinian occupied territories, the popularity of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas and Ismael Haniye, the Prime Minister of Gaza-based Palestinian government have been increased, Qatari al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on Sunday.

Popularity of Hamas and its leaders in comparison to Fatah and its Movement have been increased.

"Recent developments in Palestine showed clear changes in regional public opinion in favor of Hamas Movement. These developments also indicate a ten percent increase in the popularity of the Hamas government," the report added.

The results of the new poll by Palestinian Political Research Center was published in Gaza Strip and West Bank on March 13-15, 2008.

According to the poll, recent developments, missile attacks by Palestinian combatants against Israel and Palestinians efforts to reopen the Rafah crossings caused sympathy towards Hamads and its efforts to break Gaza blockade.

These developments also weakened the position of Fatah Movement, especially Mahmoud Abbas.