Hamas grows more popular - Poll

On the basis of new poll conducted in the Palestinian occupied territories, the popularity of the Gaza-based Palestinian government (Hamas) and its Premier Ismael Haniye have increased, Qatari al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on Sunday.

"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 Palestinian efforts to reopen the Rafah crossings caused sympathy towards Hamas and its efforts to break Gaza blockade.

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