(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people living in the Palestinian Territories are confident that the new unity government will succeed, according to a poll by Near East Consulting. 68.4 per cent of respondents think the coalition administration will be able to persuade donors to lift sanctions on the Palestinian Authority, and 50.3 per cent see the government remaining in office for at least one year.

Fatah member Mahmoud Abbas won the January 2005 Palestinian Authority presidential ballot with 62.32 per cent of all cast ballots. In January 2006, Hamas—an organization listed as "terrorist" by several countries including the United States, Canada and Israel, and the European Union (EU)—won the Palestinian Legislative Council election, securing 74 of the 112 seats at stake.

In April 2006, the European Commission and the United States suspended direct aid to the Palestinian Authority until Hamas "renounces violence." The economic sanctions were designed both to isolate Hamas and send a message of intolerance towards terrorism. After negotiations geared at establishing a unity government with Hamas and Fatah failed in October 2006, tensions escalated between armed supporters of the two rival factions.

On Feb. 8 in Saudi Arabia, Hamas and Fatah leaders reached an accord which sets the guidelines for a power-sharing administration, headed by Hamas, which would "respect" past peace agreements with Israel. In all, Hamas would control eight cabinet positions, with Fatah taking five. Three key portfolios—finance, interior and foreign affairs—would be handled by independents.

The new coalition government was sworn in on Mar. 17. The week after, both the European Union (EU) and the U.S. agreed they would not recognize the new administration until Hamas accepts to renounce violence and recognize Israel. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana declared: "I have to say that this government does not comply fully with the principles" laid down by the Quartet.

The United Nations (UN), along with the EU, the U.S. and Russia, had established four preconditions to Hamas: Disarming, recognizing Israel, rejecting terror and changing the organization's charter.

Polling Data

Will the national unity government succeed in lifting the sanctions on the Palestinian Authority?

How long will the national unity government last?

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