Growing Disillusionment: Palestinian Perspectives on Regional Support

A recent survey highlights a concerning trend: a significant majority of Palestinians harbor doubts about the adequacy of support received from Arab and Islamic nations in the face of ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza. The study,conducted by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO) between March 5th and 15th,2025,polled 1,500 residents across Gaza and the West Bank,revealing widespread frustration with the regional response.

Specifically,the survey indicated that nearly three-quarters of Gazan respondents felt Arab responses were insufficient,a sentiment echoed by two-thirds of those in the West Bank. This disillusionment underscores a growing perception that the Palestinian cause is not receiving the level of solidarity it once did.

Normalization Deals Fueling Distrust

Nabil Kukali, President and Founder of PCPO, attributes this growing distrust to the normalization of relations between some Arab countries and Israel. This normalization is viewed by many Palestinians as a betrayal of their cause, prioritizing geopolitical and economic interests over unwavering support for Palestinian rights.

The normalization of relations between several Arab countries and Israel has made a significant contribution to this distrust. Many Palestinians view this agreement as a sign that their struggle is set aside for economic and strategic interests.
Nabil Kukali, President and Founder of PCPO, as reported by The New Arab

Historically, Palestinians have relied on Arab and Islamic nations for crucial political, diplomatic, and material assistance.However, the shifting geopolitical landscape has led to a sense of abandonment among many.

Fears of displacement and External Plans

Adding to the anxieties, the survey also revealed deep-seated fears regarding potential forced displacement of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. Proposals, such as the one reportedly considered by former U.S. President Donald Trump to “take over Gaza” and develop a “Riviera of Middle East,” have further fueled these concerns.

These anxieties are especially acute given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where access to basic necessities remains severely restricted.According to recent UN reports, over 80% of the population is reliant on humanitarian aid, and the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.

Divergent Views on Hamas and the Palestinian Authority

The survey also highlighted differing perspectives between gazans and West Bank residents regarding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.A significant majority (over 60%) of Gazans expressed support for Hamas ceding power to the Palestinian Authority, while only a quarter of West Bank residents shared this view. Conversely,less than a fifth of Gazans considered Hamas to be representative of the Palestinian resistance,compared to almost half of the population in the West Bank.

These contrasting viewpoints underscore the complex political dynamics within Palestinian society and the challenges facing any future reconciliation efforts.

Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee Rejects Displacement

In a strong statement of solidarity,the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee for Gaza,convened on Sunday,March 23,2025,reaffirmed it’s unwavering rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land,including Gaza,the West Bank,and East Jerusalem. The committee, which met with high-ranking European Union representatives in Egypt, warned of “serious consequences” should such actions be taken.

The Committee also stressed the importance of the unification of the Gaza Strip and the West bank under the Palestinian authority.

The committee also emphasized the importance of unifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, pledging their full support for the authority to assume its responsibilities in the conflict zones. prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa reiterated the urgent need for a permanent and lasting ceasefire, urging the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735.