Correct. In 2006 they won 46% of the vote to Fatah's 44%. Then Hamas militarily finished off Fatah. So it isn't as if there were huge numbers voting Hamas. There was hope in the exit polls:
An exit poll conducted by Near East Consulting on 15 February 2006 on voters participating in the 2006 PA elections revealed the following responses to major concerns:
Support for a Peace Agreement with Israel: 79.5% in support; 15.5% in opposition
Should Hamas change its policies regarding Israel: Yes – 75.2%; No – 24.8%
Under Hamas corruption will decrease: Yes – 78.1%; No – 21.9%
Under Hamas internal security will improve: Yes – 67.8%; No – 32.2%
Hamas government priorities: 1) Combatting corruption; 2) Ending security chaos; 3) Solving poverty/unemployment
Support for Hamas' impact on the national interest: Positive – 66.7&; Negative - 28.5%
Support for a national unity government?: Yes – 81.4%; no – 18.6%
Rejection of Fatah's decision not to join a national unity government: Yes – 72.5%; No – 27.5%
Satisfaction with election results: 64.2% satisfied; 35.8% dissatisfied
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The big thing that jumps out to me, the corruption and security. Those are two things that really drive the right movement here. I'm not comparing our right to Hamas. I am saying if Fatah was perceived as corrupt, that helps explain their failing in the election just as perceived corruption drives a lot of votes here. Same for security concerns.
But at least in 2006, 79.5% wanted a peace agreement with Israel, and 75.2% wanted Hamas to change their "death to Israel" policy. That should show that there is a chance, maybe not a huge chance, that weakened Hamas could lead to something better.