Well, they are inspired by God. So it makes sense that these genocidal lunatics would have broad support across Palestinian society:

Hamas appears to be as strong and popular as ever with residents of the Gaza Strip. Various public opinion polls published in recent weeks have even shown that Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is more popular than Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Of course there have also been polls that showed the exact opposite. But notwithstanding the contradictory surveys, the fact that Hamas is still in power one year after the "coup" speaks for itself.

Just as a matter of curiosity - how do you think the impending Israeli-Hamas ceasefire and prisoner swap - which won't include Shalit - will affect their popularity?

Defense sources in Israel said Sunday night that "it is important to understand that the meaning of the agreement with the Egyptians is that within several days after the cease-fire goes into effect, intensive negotiations begin over Gilad Shalit's release. This will be a tough deal to complete - therefore the government will be called upon to make tough decisions to bring Gilad home." The sources hinted at the heavy price Hamas will demand: releasing hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, many of whom were convicted of murder for their involvement in major terror attacks.

You know what's been working out really great? Palestinian democracy.

References:
* Hamas Thanks "The Media" For Glorious "Victory" In Gaza [Video] [MR]
* Analysis: One year after 'coup,' Hamas still favored [JPost]
* Israel awaiting Egypt's answer to remaining issues on Gaza truce [Ha'aretz]

Previously:
* Hamas Creates Humanitarian Crisis By Stealing Fuel For Terrorism, Preventing Israeli Gas Shipments, And Cutting Off Gaza Civilians. Again. (Plus: International Press, Human Rights Groups Blame Israel. Again)
* Hamas Has 200 Tons Of Explosives That The US Gave To Fatah (Plus: Egypt Says It's Israel's Fault)
* Carter "Understands" Why Hamas Has To Bomb Israeli Schools And Hospitals