In Gaza, people favour peace with Israel and criticize Hamas government
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - The majority of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip (67%) are in favour of a peace agreement with Israel, and think (52.8%) that by the time their children are adults it will be possible (but a 36.5% rule it out in various ways). The key issue is the need to overcome the current division between the West Bank and Gaza, most (71.2%) see as negative the Hamas decision to oppose the presidential election as do most (57.7%) judge movement’s management since it took power.
This is the most significant data to emerge from the most recent survey carried out by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO), an independent body which since 1994 has studied the Palestinian public, run by Nabil Kukali, a Christian who is also professor at Hebron University in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the investigation shows that for the vast majority of the population the economic situation in Gaza is "bad" (51.2%) or “poor “(34.2) - "good" for only 13.9%. 75.7% of respondents are concerned for the future of their family. People are concerned about security (38.3%), work (23%), health (16.2%) or, generally, the future (22.5%). Respondents also believe they enjoy “poor” (78.8%) respect for their human rights. If the borders were opened, 40.2% would emigrate. But who entirely support (67%) the ban imposed by Hamas men and women to use a motorcycle together.
"Reunification" is therefore quite important for the population of Gaza for the 48.2% it is the "top priority", more than rebuilding of what was destroyed by the Israelis (21.2%) and the opening of the border (29%). Responsibility for the impasse in unification is mainly due both parties (42.6%), but more to Hamas (40.8%) than Fatah (12.5). The contrast is considered political in nature (59.1%) rather than religious (6.8%), but there is 24% who believe it is due to both factors. "Serious negotiations" are needed to bring the split to an end (48.1%, but some people think "outside pressures" should be rejected (23.6%).
The view of the population regarding Hamas is surprising. 52.1% believes the movement responsible for the deterioration of living conditions following the destruction of tunnels under the border with Egypt, of which, however, it was the biggest benefactor (49.7%), more than the "people", (26.4%) or government (15.3%). For 70.7% of the economic situation under the government of Haniyeh has "deteriorated", against a 8.6% who consider it "improved" and 18.6% who see it as the same. 75.3% also contest the decision against the commemoration of Arafat proposed by the National Labour Corporation
If, then, to run for president of the PNA were Abbas and Haniyeh, the former would gain 45.3% of the votes, against 17.7%. But 28.5% would not vote.
And if there were to be a vote, however, the successful candidate would be the current president Mahmoud Abbas (27%), followed by Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouti, currently imprisoned in Israel (15.3%). Hamas leaders trail at a distance, the former prime minister Ismail Haniyeh (9.8%), Khaled Mishal (2%).
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26/01/2006
