A poll taken among PA (Palestinian Authority) residents reports that if a general election were held today in PA areas throughout Yehuda, Shomron and Gaza, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah will emerge the leader of all PA areas. It appears that Haniyah�s popularity has risen following Operation Cast Lead.

The poll comes as Egypt continues mediating talks towards the establishment of a coalition government between Hamas and Fatah. Delegations are negotiating in Egypt in the hope of setting aside differences towards re-uniting the PA.

According to the poll, which questioned 1,200 people, Haniyah�s popularity today after Cast Lead is 47%, significantly higher than the 38% he earned three months ago. Hamas� is also on the rise, now registering 33% as compared to 28% last December.

Interestingly however, if imprisoned Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti ran against Haniyah, Barghouti would take the election with 61% of the vote while Haniyah would only earn 34%.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)