A public opinion poll showed that the majority of Palestinians support Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and believe that Israel’s disengagement plan is a positive step for peace.
Nearly 53% percent of Palestinians polled said they thought the pullout was good for the peace process. Only 33 percent believed the withdrawal was a bad move for peace.
The poll, by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, surveyed a random sample of 1,200 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza from May 2 to May 7. It had a 3 percent margin of error.
According to the survey, 65% support maintaining the recent cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians for the rest of the year as it serves the interests of the Palestinians. About 30% disagreed.
However, only 39% said they would support the Palestinian security services using force against armed resistance groups opposed to the cease-fire, while 55% disagreed.
The poll also gave strong support to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, with 76% saying he is doing a good or fairly good job.
The poll also showed the ruling Fatah movement as the most popular with the support of 36%, Hamas came second with the support of 20%.
