Commissioned Studies

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Studies show a marked increase in citizen's Support of Peace process

Public Opinion:

  • "My aunt was shot dead by Israeli soldiers while sitting on her balcony for no apparent reason. This only increased my dedication to do what I can to stop this insanity."

    Palestinian volunteer for APUME

  • "A few months ago there were terrorist bombers who exploded themselves right close to my home. I decided that I must use my knowledge and my ability to do what I can to change the situation. I felt that I am at an axis that might decide the future of the world."

    Israeli volunteer for APUME

Study Published by:

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) in Ramallah and the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, have conducted a joint survey of Palestinian and Israeli public opinion.

Title:

Important But Fragile Pragmatic Shifts In Palestinian And Israeli Public Opinion Toward The Intifada2 And The Peace Process

Summary of Results I. Fragile Signs of Pragmatism

Despite the fact that no change has been registered on Palestinian attitudes toward violence, 76% of the Palestinians support the mutual cessation of violence by Palestinians and Israelis. Last August, only 48% of the Palestinians supported a gradual cease-fire between the two sides. In Israel 96% of the public support a mutual cessation of violence by both sides.
Despite the fact that 82% are worried that it might lead to internal strife, a majority of 56% of Palestinians supports taking measures by the PA3 to prevent armed attacks against Israelis inside Israel after reaching an agreement on mutual cessation of violence. Last May, a large majority of 86% opposed the arrest of those who organize suicide attacks inside Israel. The current support for security measures against those who carry out armed attacks inside Israel is similar to the one registered in March 1996 (59%) in the aftermath of the suicide attacks carried out by Islamists in February and March of that year.
A significant pragmatic shift is evident in the Israeli public as well: 62% of Israelis support now the dismantling of most settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a peace agreement with the Palestinians, compared to 52% in November last year and 38% right after the Camp David summit and before the eruption of the Intifada. Until an agreement is reached, 64% of the Israeli public support a freeze on further expansion of the settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
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II. Reconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians

There is a surprisingly small impact of the two-year long Intifada on Palestinians' and Israelis' sentiments towards reconciliation given a state of peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Under such conditions, 73% of the Palestinians and 75% of the Israelis would support a process of reconciliation despite the ongoing hostilities. While Palestinians would mainly support open borders and economic cooperation, Israelis see more favorably than Palestinians changes in the school curriculum, cessation of incitement in public discourse and social interaction. #

The Association for Peace and Understanding in the Middle East is working to build mutual tolerance and understanding in the Middle East, as it has successfully been built elsewhere. And signs of peace in the Middle East are emerging. For more information, see the SIGNS OF PEACE page.