Palestinians demand for the resignation of President Abbas

Palestine

Published: 2017-09-23 11:54

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 13:12


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research and published on Tuesday, revealed that the majority of the population in the West Bank and Gaza demand for the resignation of President Abbas.


The poll was conducted between September 14-16.


Two- thirds of poll participants have lost faith in Abbas, and are demanding his resignation.


According to the poll, population in the West Bank and Gaza are worried about the future of civil liberties in the territories, amidst a rise in the arrest of journalists and activists who speak out against Abbas and the Palestinian Authority.


“A large majority believes that Palestinians cannot criticize the PA without fear. In fact, half of the public believes that the PA has now become a burden on the Palestinian people.”


The center said that these fears might be responsible for the increase in the demand for the resignation of President Mahmoud Abbas.

 

The center highlighted that demands for Abbas’ resignation stand at 60 percent in the PA-administered West Bank and at 80 percent in the Hamas controlled the Gaza Strip.

Three months ago demand for Abbas resignation stood at 55 percent in the West Bank and 75 percent in the Gaza Strip, according to Maan news.


Meanwhile, the Palestinian population in the previously selected areas, do not seem very optimistic about the reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.


31% said it would be successful, while 61% of the poll takers expressed pessimism towards the prospect.

 

According to the center, the most serious problem confronting Palestinian society today is poverty and unemployment in the eyes of 26 percent of the public; 25 percent believe it is the spread of corruption in public institutions; 23 percent say it is the continuation of occupation and settlement activities; 20 percent say it is the siege of the Gaza Strip and the closure of its crossings.