Palestinian Public Opinion Polls No. 27
Date
2007-05
Authors
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Publisher
An-Najah National University/ Opinion Polls and Survey Studies Unit
Abstract
Confrontations in the Gaza Strip are renewed after an air of optimism prevailed among Palestinian people following the formation of the Unity Government. Palestinian citizens were optimistic prior to these confrontations that the new Unity Government will restore order in the Palestinian streets through implementing a security plan. New realities imposed themselves and the new government has not succeeded in implementing its security plan yet. In the same context, the Minister of Interior Affairs resigned protesting, as he says, not granting him enough political power that would enable him to execute his responsibilities properly.
On the political side, things are stand still; nothing tangible has been achieved towards ending the political and financial sanctions imposed on the Palestinian Authority despite the tremendous efforts made by ministers to end the siege. The crisis of salaries, which have not been paid to employees, is escalating especially after the strike declared by public employees threatening of a total collapse of the educational and health sectors.
As for the relationship with Israel, more than one Palestinian official declared that the regular meetings between President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Prime Minister have been stopped on an Israeli request. It is worth mentioning that these meetings, according to Palestinian government officials were useless.
On the battlefield Israel continues its policy of killing, destructions and frequent incursions inside most areas of the West Bank and threatening to invade the Gaza Strip.