Surveying Palestinian Opinions

Fafo conducted two opinion polls in the occupied Palestinian territories in 2005. The first one took place between 31 August and 9 September in the Gaza Strip and surveyed peoples' opinions on the Israeli withdrawal and the future governance in the Gaza Strip. The second poll occurred between 21 November and 10 December, and examined opinions on local political issues, governance, conflict and peace, service delivery and the January legislative elections.

The first poll documented a sentiment of victory and optimism in Gaza as result of the pullout. Both polls revealed limited trust in political institutions. However, people showed high expectations for the elections and believed that the outcome would improve their living conditions.

Both polls were carried out by Fafo staff based in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The second poll was financially supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Output

Palestinian Opinions on Peace and Conflict, Internal Affairs and Parliament Elections 2006. Results from Fafo polls in September and November-December 2005, by Gro Hasselknippe. Fafo-paper 2006:09 Web edition (pdf 272k)

Gaza poll, November–December 2005:

Main findings (powerpoint presentation)

West Bank and Gaza poll, January 2006:

Main findings (powerpoint presentation)

Tabulation report

Presentation at the Fafo-breakfast 24 January 2006

Seminars

Fafo-breakfast: Hamas in from the cold? 24 January 2006

Fafo-breakfast: Hamas wins big - what now? 2 February 2006

Media statements

Press release (from Fafo) 5 December 2005

Comment by Gro Hasselknippe: Hamas i regjering? (Hamas in the government?) in Dagbladet 15 January 2006

Comment by Pål Sletten: Hvem skal betale for Hamas? (Who should pay for Hamas?) in Dagens Næringsliv 31 January 2006

Researchers

• Gro Hasselknippe
• Jon Pedersen
• Akram Atallah
• Hani El Dada
• Åge A. Tiltnes