More than 2,100 Palestinians, most of them civilians, were killed, compared with at least 70 Israelis, most of them soldiers. Israeli bombardments caused massive destruction in Gaza, reducing many areas of the densely populated enclave to rubble. Israel sustained far less damage from Hamas’ rockets, many of which were intercepted by its Iron Dome defense system.

But from the Palestinian point of view, Hamas’ ability to stand up to Israeli’s vaunted military for 50 days, something no Arab country has ever been able to do, was a victory in itself, especially when the conflict ended in a cease-fire, not a surrender. They took satisfaction in Hamas’ ability to continue firing missiles at major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, disrupting life in Israel and at times closing down its international airport, and inflicting significant casualties among Israeli soldiers.

As a result, according to the poll, 79% of respondents said that Hamas had won the Gaza war, while only 3% believe Israel did. Some 17% said both sides were losers.