The latest survey from the Palestinian territories has come up with some interesting statistics about the attitudes of the Palestinians, including their views on terrorism and the two-state solution.
The poll was conducted by PSR, the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, between 7th June and 11th June with a 3% margin of error.
The findings show that the majority of Palestinians (52%) think that terrorism is the best way to ‘end the occupation’. 22% of respondents support ‘popular resistance’ which includes political attacks on Israel, such as at the UN and other global bodies, and economic attacks against Israel such as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Just 21% support peaceful negotiations with Israel.
A recent trend within the Palestinian territories is a rise in new terror groups, such as “Lion’s Den” who have been responsible for murdering Israeli civilians in lone-wolf attacks that are similar to that of ISIS and other terror groups in the region. Lion’s Den is independent of other Palestinian factions and support for them is high.
Shockingly, 71% of the Palestinian public are in favour of forming new armed groups like Lion’s Den and only 23% are against them.
Additionally, 86% of Palestinians say that the Palestinian Authority has no right to arrest members of these terror groups to prevent them carrying out attacks against Israelis.
This mentality of support for Palestinian terrorism leads the majority (51%) to believe that the situation in the West Bank will continue to escalate towards a third armed intifada against Israel.
The first and second intifadas were bloody campaigns of terror carried out by Palestinians against Israel. Hundreds of terror attacks, including suicide bombings, stabbings, shootings and car ramming’s, resulted in 1,400 Israelis being killed. It is quite troubling that Palestinians are still supporting terrorism and that their expectation is for a new intifada against Israel.
Interestingly, it seems that the high support for terrorism against Israel correlates with a misguided belief that Israel will one day be destroyed. Two-thirds (66%) of Palestinians surveyed do not believe that Israel will survive to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Clearly the majority can be wrong.
One thing that also stuck out was the lack of support for the so-called two-state solution.
Western politicians always say they support the two-state solution. In fact, the British government repeatedly says, “the UK remains committed to a two-state solution” and claims it will lead to a “better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
However, the vast majority of Palestinians completely reject a two-state solution. 70% of survey respondents oppose the idea with just 28% saying they support a two-state solution.
The survey goes into more depth on a number of topics, but this overview highlights the clear disparity between Israel and the Palestinians and the high support for terrorism amongst Palestinians.
The Palestinians continue to maintain a belief that they will one day destroy Israel and they believe the most effective way to achieve this is with terror.
Ultimately, this poll highlights the need for Christians to stand up for Israel, continue praying for the protection of Israel and, of course, for the peace of Jerusalem.
This year, we want to do more to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
We know that as we bless Israel this year, God will bless us, just as He promised in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Now is the time to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
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