Date: 25 December 2001
Press Release
PALESTINIANS SUPPORT THE CEASEFIRE, NEGOTIATIONS, AND RECONCILIATION BETWEEN THE TWO PEOPLES BUT A MAJORITY OPPOSES ARRESTS AND BELIEVE THAT ARMED CONFRONTATIONS HAVE HELPED ACHIEVE NATIONAL RIGHTS
Results of a PSR Poll on Palestinian Public Opinion on Ceasefire, Negotiations, Reconciliation, Terrorism, and Domestic Politics
Poll Conducted on 19-24 December
The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) conducted a public opinion poll in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the period between 19-24 December 2001. A representative sample of (1357) adults was interviewed face-to-face, with a sample error of 3%. Results of the poll will be reviewed at a PSR meeting on Saturday 29 December 2001. The following are some of the main results:
- A majority of 60% supports the comprehensive and immediate ceasefire declared by President Arafat, while 71% support an immediate return to negotiations.
- But a large majority of 76% opposes the arrests being carried out by Palestinian security services, and 61% believe that armed confrontations have helped achieve Palestinian national rights in ways that negotiations could not, and only 21% expect that armed attacks will stop and negotiations will resume soon.
- A large majority of 73% supports reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis after reaching a peace agreement based on the establishment of a state recognized by Israel
- 37% believe that there are circumstances that would justify the use of terrorism to achieve political goals, and an overwhelming majority does not view bombing attacks against Israeli civilians as terrorism.
- Arafat’s popularity reaches 36% compared to 33% last July and 46% on July 2000.
- The most popular Palestinians after Arafat are Ahmad Yasin (14%), followed by Marwan Barghouti (11%), Haidar Abdul Shafi (11%), Sa’eb Erikat (9%), and Hanan Ashrawai (9%).
- Fateh’s popularity reaches 28% compared to 29% last July and 37% in July 2000.
- Popularity of Islamist groups reaches 25% compared to 27% last July and 17% in July 2000.
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