Israelis and Palestinians: Relentless Enemies

Israelis and Palestinians are today two populations on opposite fronts, enemies, regardless of Hamas. The events of the last two months have escalated tensions, radicalized stances, and made the concept of “two populations two states” more remote than ever. This is evident from a specific survey conducted by the Demographic Research Institute Noto Sondaggi for Repubblica, focusing on both the Israeli and Palestinian populations, with particular emphasis on residents in the Gaza Strip. In both populations, the most extreme positions are converging, making it challenging to distinguish Hamas from the general Palestinian population.

Indeed, 59% of Israelis view the October 7th incident as an attack received from the entire Palestinian population. Simultaneously, 68% of Palestinians, a figure that jumps to 90% among Gaza Strip residents, perceive the Israeli military’s operation as an attack on the entire Palestinian population. Additionally, Palestinians overall have a positive view of Hamas: 41% express trust, a figure that rises to 63% among Strip residents.

Furthermore, 55% of Palestinians also agree with the October 7th attack. Among Gaza Strip residents, the level of agreement reaches 70%. If the ongoing conflict appears to boost sympathy for Hamas, Abu Mazen, the President of the Palestinian National Authority, is viewed negatively by 44% of the Palestinian population, a sentiment that rises to 63% among Gaza Strip residents. Consequently, the more political and moderate stance of the PNA is somewhat overshadowed at the moment.

On the Israeli side, sentiments towards “the enemy” remain unchanged. About 72% strongly approve of the operation carried out by Netanyahu. No distinction is made between terrorists and civilians, as 54% of Israelis see the entire Palestinian population as an adversary to combat. Likewise, for 49% of Palestinians (and 64% among Gaza Strip residents), all Israelis are seen as rivals and 45% (82% among Strip residents) believe that the Jewish State should be eliminated, as advocated by Hamas.

Both sides predict their victory, revealing why currently neither Israeli nor Palestinian populations have voiced a robust consensus for a Peace Treaty and end to the conflict. Consideration must be given to the fact that the survey was conducted between November 26th and 29th during a ceasefire for the exchange of some Israeli hostages with Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. This agreement was approved by several sectors of the Israeli (57%) and Palestinian population.

To 75% of Israelis, hostilities must continue until the release of all hostages (31% were against the truce precisely because it provided for the partial release of prisoners). However, the majority of Palestinians are calling for a ceasefire and a resumption of dialogue. When asked about the conflict’s responsible parties, the responses were diverse. Among Gaza residents, 73% solely blame Israel, but this percentage narrows to 42% across the entire Palestinian population.

It’s also interesting to note the perception of support from the international community. Notably, while Palestinians feel that only Arab countries truly support their cause, 47% of Israelis believe Europe is more sympathetic to Palestine. Perhaps most importantly, the outlook for the future varies: 65% of Israelis believe the conflict will never end, whereas 62% of Palestinians, and 82% among the Strip, believe it will eventually end.

Interestingly, around 40% of Palestinians have faith in a diplomatic resolution without the victory of one party over the other. Moreover, 37% (but only

18% in Gaza) believe it is necessary to coexist with Israel and an additional 31% (15% in the Strip) still believe in the “two populations, two states” solution. An openness to dialogue that is mirrored among Israelis: 35% are willing to seek a compromise, with 40% still advocating for two autonomous and independent states.

At present, what seems to prevail is that the ongoing harm to civilians on both sides serves only to aggravate tensions by bolstering support for the most radical positions, thus making any peace agreement appear elusive.

Translated by Ludovica Colella