EXPOSED BY THE IDF: Hamas' covert operation to manipulate public opinion polls

The IDF has uncovered documents exposing Hamas's systematic efforts to falsify public opinion polls in Gaza. These documents, retrieved during IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, shed light on a sophisticated scheme by the terrorist organization to manufacture an illusion of public support, particularly in the wake of the October 7th massacre.

The documents, originating from Hamas's General Security apparatus, detail a comprehensive strategy to manipulate survey results from the respected Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR). This manipulation aimed to create a false narrative of widespread Gazan support for Hamas and its leadership, most notably Yahya Sinwar.

According to the IDF, the exposed papers reveal a before-and-after snapshot of PSR poll results from March 2024, clearly demonstrating how Hamas altered the findings. The terrorist group's primary objectives were twofold: to inflate apparent public backing for their organization and to fabricate support for violent actions, including the October 7th attacks. A senior IDF intelligence officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "These documents provide concrete evidence of Hamas's desperate attempts to maintain a façade of popularity. It's a clear indication of their collapsing support among Palestinians."

The falsification process, as outlined in the documents, involved covert influence over local factors to skew poll responses. Importantly, there is no evidence suggesting any complicity from the PSR in this deception. The polling institute appears to be an unwitting victim of Hamas's elaborate scheme.

This revelation comes at a critical time, as Hamas faces increasing scrutiny both within Gaza and internationally.

As this story develops, it raises important questions about the reliability of public opinion data emerging from conflict zones and the lengths to which Hamas will go to control their narrative.