Hamas Gains in Popularity in Gaza, West Bank Since War With Israel

The Islamist Hamas movement that dominates Gaza has gained in popularity among all Palestinians since last year's war with Israel, but most feel the devastation caused by the conflict outweighs its achievements, a new poll shows. Pollster Khalil Shikaki of the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey also reported what he called "the highest number ever recorded" -- 50 percent -- of Palestinians in the impoverished and isolated Gaza Strip considering emigration. Shikaki told reporters by teleconference from the West Bank,"There's a very high level of frustration we are seeing in Gaza more than at any other time in the past year," referring to results of the June 4-6 survey.