According to a November poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank and Gaza:
The poll shows that a significant shift has occurred in Palestinian public attitudes regarding the intifada and the peace process. It shows a majority of 54% supporting the “road map” and 42% oppose it. More importantly, it shows that more than three quarters (76%) support a mutual cessation of violence by both sides. Last August, a PSR poll found only 48% supporting a gradual ceasefire. Another significant shift occurred in attitudes regarding a PA crackdown on those who carry out attacks inside Israel. The poll shows that a majority of 56% support taking measures by the PA against those who continue to resort to attacks against Israelis inside Israel after reaching an agreement on mutual cessation of violence. Our May 2002 survey showed that 86% were opposed to PA measures that included arresting those who organized suicide attacks against Israelis inside Israel.
73% believe that a return to the peace process would be impeded if the PA failed to take security measures to prevent attacks against Israeli civilians inside Israel after reaching an agreement on mutual cessation of violence.
As in our two previous polls in May and August, 53% support armed attacks against Israeli civilians inside Israel while 43% oppose them. But support for attacks against soldiers in the West Bank and Gaza reach 91% and against settlers 89%.
Only 16% expect a return to negotiations and an end to armed attacks soon.
Am I grasping at straws here?
