Arab World for Research & Development (AWRAD)
22 August 2010
BACKGROUND
The Arab World for Research and Development completed a comprehensive survey among Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. The survey gauged the opinions of 3000 adult Palestinians on issues related to the peace process and political trends. The margin of error was + 3% and data was collected between 8-14 August 2010.
The survey comes at a critical juncture, as the Palestinian and Israeli governments prepare to resume direct talks for the first time in almost two years. Negotiations are occurring at the same time as the Israeli government’s settlement moratorium comes to a close, and will face significant challenges on longstanding and sensitive issues such as the status of Jerusalem and refugees.
OVERVIEW:
- Palestinians remain profoundly skeptical of American and Israeli intentions, showing deep pessimism about opportunities for a negotiated settlement.
- Understandably, considering progress since Oslo, most Palestinians believe that the next ten years will see no change or a worsening of key issues.
- The survey shows areas of compromise available to negotiators that would have the support of most Palestinians (or at least not overwhelming opposition).
- The results also show that extraordinary efforts will need to be made to convince Palestinians about the need for compromise on the most sensitive issues.
- Hamas continues to lose public support because of their failures in Gaza, while Fatah is maintaining strong support.
- No single Palestinian leader is dominating the political field.
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