For those who believe the Palestinians have become more moderate over the years, a recent poll published in which Palestinians were asked whom they would vote for if elections were held today shows otherwise. The participants in the poll was given the option of voting for current PA (Palestinian Authority) leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) or former Hamas Prime Minister of Gaza and Hamas Politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh. While Abu Mazen emerges the winner with 51% of the vote, Haniyeh receives 41%. 8% of the voters are undecided.

Results of the poll, published on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, follow several days of violent protests in Gaza against our cost of living. Government forces in Gaza used batons and even live ammunition against protesters put down the voice of dissension.

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) carried out the poll, which included 1,270 Palestinians in 127 randomly selected locations in the West Bank and Gaza between March 13th and 16th.

It is pointed out that presidential elections have not been held in the Palestinian Authority since 2005. In that election, Abu Mazen was elected for four-year term and continues serving without elections.

Abu Mazen is aligned with the more moderate Fatah faction which used to be in control of Gaza as well. In 2007, and armed revolt in place, and the Fatah regime in Gaza was overthrown by Hamas, which continues to rule today.

Do you support the so-called two-state solution?
50% say they oppose it
48% say they supported
2% say they are not certain

The same question was asked packed in December 2018, at that time 55% opposed it and 43% were in favor. Once again 2% were undecided. So, the poll shows us that regarding the two-state solution, support has increased in the past months.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)