Abbas’ Domestic Position Declines Dramatically according to New Poll

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s personal fortunes are slipping dramatically according to a new poll by Dr. Khalil Shikaki and the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. In three months, the number of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip who want Abbas to resign grew by five percent to 67%. While Hamas-controlled Gaza registered an overwhelming 80% opposed to Abbas continuing in office, as would be expected, Abbas’s arguable home base of the West Bank scored a solid majority of 60% wanting him to step-down. Abbas was elected to a four-year term in 2005, but because of the split with Hamas, Abbas has remained in the presidential seat. That would not continue, according to the Center, if elections were held today. The edge in support for Abbas in the West Bank would not be enough to defeat Ismail Haniyyeh, the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians overwhelmingly believe the Trump Administration is biased in favor of Israel (83%); and that it is “not serious” about negotiations (74%). A 57% majority believes the so-called “two-state solution” is no longer feasible.