As Israel fights to destroy Hamas, the group's popularity surges among Palestinians

During protests in the West Bank, Palestinians carry Hamas flags and chant support for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. (Brian Mann/NPR)

RAMALLAH, West Bank — More than two months into Israel's war against Hamas, the militant group's popularity appears to be rising dramatically among Palestinians in the West Bank.

"Hamas made the most important action against Israel since its existence," says Nihad Abughosh, a Palestinian journalist and political analyst, who describes himself as a secular moderate.