By Sean Malloy

At least 65% of Palestinians in the occupied territories support the Palestinian-Israeli accords, according to the Centre for Palestinian Research and Studies.

The figures are based on a survey carried out by the centre in mid-September and are included in an analysis of the accords published in the October edition of News From Within.

“There is a strong polarization between the supporters and opposers of the agreement among the Palestinian population”, noted the survey's reporters. “Feelings also range from anxiety on the one hand, to indifference on the other.

“The average Palestinian received the agreement with mixed feelings of support and reservations. The support was primarily because the PLO itself had entered the negotiations with Israel.”

Forty-five per cent of those surveyed increased their level of support for the PLO after the secret negotiations with Israel were publicised; 30% said their support remained unchanged; 25% said their support fell.

In relation to the arguments of those opposing the agreement, “51% of the sample stated that they were `not realistic'. 65% were convinced that the agreement would bring about the improvement of the economic situation.

“The overall level of support for the agreement was 65%, as compared with 28% opposed to it.” Seven per cent of the sample were “not sure”.

Reservations and concerns were also recorded by the survey.

On whether the accords would lead to a Palestinian state and full Palestinian national rights, “34% held that the agreement would not lead to a state, 21% were not sure, and 45% stated that it would [lead to a state]”.

Regarding crucial issues of the status of Jerusalem, the Palestinian refugees of 1948 and the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, “60% thought that it was wrong to postpone discussion” of these issues until after the interim period, approximately three to five years.

Eighty-two per cent were in favour of a Palestinian referendum on the accords.

While the survey recorded a significant opposition to the accords, a strong majority, “approaching 80%” favoured democratic debate as the form to express opposition.
[News From Within is in independent political newsletter published by the Alternative Information Center in Jerusalem.]

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