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)