Most Palestinians oppose proposals to disarm Hamas unless Israeli forces fully withdraw from Gaza, according to a new poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. The findings were reported on August 14, 2026, as international discussions continue over ending the Gaza war, future governance and Hamas’s weapons.

Many respondents said Hamas surrendering its weapons would not be acceptable while Israeli occupation and military presence continue. Opposition was higher in the West Bank, where 78 percent rejected disarmament, compared with 55 percent in Gaza. Overall, 69 percent opposed Hamas disarmament even as a condition for permanently ending the war.

The survey also addressed a future Palestinian state and Gaza’s governing system. Most respondents did not believe a US-proposed plan could establish an independent Palestinian state within five years. Hamas has also said on various occasions that it is not prepared to discuss surrendering weapons without guarantees of a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The reported public position could further complicate political efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis.