Strengthening Governance and National Unity for a Resilient Palestinian Future

Survey Overview

This report consists of four sections that together provide a comprehensive analysis of Palestinian perspectives on governance, national unity, and future political directions: Section (1) examines attitudes toward national unity and reconciliation, and levels of trust in different political actors. Section (2) analyzes perceptions of governance effectiveness and views on different political solutions to the Palestinian issue. Section (3) investigates the role of youth in national efforts and their political participation. Section (4) explores the perceived importance of Palestinians in the ‘48 territories and the diaspora. ❏ National unity remains a critical issue, with most Palestinians viewing elections as the primary means of achieving reconciliation. However, opinions on international involvement are divided—West Bank respondents largely reject external actors' influence, while Gazans show more openness, particularly toward regional players like Qatar. Despite these differences, there is consensus that Palestinian leadership must take initiative in fostering national unity. ❏ Governance continues to be a point of contention, particularly in the West Bank, where many respondents perceive the Palestinian Authority as ineffective in delivering services and representing public interests. In Gaza, trust in governance structures is comparatively higher, though uncertainty persists about the future role of political leadership. The public remains divided on whether existing institutions can successfully lead the Palestinian people toward stability and self-determination. ❏ Political solutions to the conflict remain widely debated; support for a two-state solution has increased in both the West Bank and Gaza, while belief in a one-state model with equal rights has declined. Views on potential confederations vary, with Gaza respondents showing greater openness to a confederation with Jordan while West Bankers are more skeptical. ❏ Youth political engagement is shaped by structural and psychological barriers, including fear of arrest and a lack of confidence in leadership. While Gazan respondents favor the formation of new youth-led parties, those in the West Bank prefer expanding youth roles within established political movements. ❏ There is strong recognition of the importance of Palestinians in the ‘48 territories and the diaspora, with many believing their involvement is necessary for shaping the national cause and political future. Conclusions: As Palestinians navigate a period of political uncertainty and ongoing conflict, national unity and governance remain pressing concerns. While many believe that reconciliation should be achieved through elections, trust in political leadership remains low, particularly in the West Bank. The effectiveness of governance continues to be debated, with calls for increased transparency and accountability growing louder. The search for a political resolution remains contentious, with fluctuating levels of support for different solutions. While the two-state model has seen renewed interest, overall confidence in political negotiations remains fragile. Meanwhile, youth engagement presents both a challenge and an opportunity, as many young Palestinians seek a greater role in shaping national efforts despite the barriers they face. The findings in this report provide crucial insights into public sentiment, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive governance, responsive leadership, and a renewed focus on political participation. As the Palestinian people look toward the future, these perspectives will play a vital role in shaping national strategies and policy directions.