Gaza Poll: Gazans view Israeli withdrawal as a victory, but have serious anxiety about the future

13 September 2005

An in-depth survey conducted by Fafo shows that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip see the withdrawal of Israelis settlers and military forces as a result of their struggle. But with that sense of victory, comes real worries about the immediate future: the Fafo survey of Palestinian opinion shows low levels of confidence in most of their institutions, real fears of political violence among Palestinians, and strong support for the inclusion of all political factions in the political process.

Photo: Per A. Christiansen, Aftenposten

Fafo has been active in social research in Palestine for well over a decade. Fafo staff include Palestinians in and from both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as analysts in Oslo with extensive experience in Palestine and the region as a whole. In addition to its work in Palestine, Fafo has recently implemented the largest household survey in Iraq, as well as an opinion survey in Iraq. Fafo activities include a range of projects in a number of countries in the Middle East, as well as in China, Eastern Europe, and Central and West Africa. More

Gaza Poll in the press

BBC NEWS: Poll suggests 'optimism' in Gaza, Sep 14
Norwegian Aftenposten: Håp og frykt i frigitt Gaza (Hope and fear in a free Gaza), Sep 14
Maan News Agency: New survey indicates concern among Gazans, Sep 14
Al Hayat Al-Jedida (in Arabic), Sep 14
Al Quds (in Arabic), Sep 14

• Summary
• Main findings (Norsk)
• Power point presentation of main findings
• Full tabulation report

For more information and comments on the survey contact Jon Pedersen, Research Director, Fafo on + 47 971 40 362 or jon.pedersen@fafo.no