(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the West Bank and Gaza Strip expect an end to recent hostilities between rival groups, according to a poll by the Birzeit University Development Studies Programme. 43.5 per cent of respondents believe the Mecca agreement will stop the fighting, while 45.1 per cent think it will have a temporary effect.

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. 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—will be handled by independents.

Yesterday, Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh explained the current situation, saying, "There are no obstacles for the announcement of the national unity government. The spirit of the Mecca agreement is still dominating. The issues are not related to the announcement of the government, instead, they are related to the Palestinian daily affairs of living."

Polling Data

Do you believe that the Mecca agreement (signed by Fatah and Hamas) will stop the fighting?

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the success of a unity government?

Archive Search

Over 19,500 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.