Poll: Majority Of Palestinians Oppose Trump's Displacement Proposal

- A majority of Palestinians oppose former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed displacement plan and fear it could further destabilize the region, according to a new public opinion poll released by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO).

The survey, conducted by pollster Dr. Nabil Kukali, polled 1,500 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip between March 5 and March 15. The results indicate widespread opposition to the proposal and concerns about its broader political and security implications.

Fears of Regional Instability

When asked whether the plan would negatively impact political and security conditions in the region, 58.8% of respondents said it would, while 34.4% disagreed. Concern was higher in Gaza, where 73.6% of respondents expressed fear of destabilization, compared to 53.4% in the West Bank.

Analysts say the disparity reflects the differing realities on the ground. Gaza, under an Israeli blockade since 2007 and frequently targeted by Israeli military operations, faces greater uncertainty. The West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has some degree of autonomy, has seen less direct military action but remains under Israeli occupation.

Concerns Over International Pressure on Egypt, Jordan

The survey found that 55.9% of Palestinians believe Egypt and Jordan will face international pressure to accept displaced Palestinians if the proposal moves forward. Nearly 35% thought they would not, while 9.3% were uncertain.

The belief was more prevalent in Gaza (61.3%) than in the West Bank (54.0%), possibly reflecting fears that regional shifts, including U.S. influence in the Middle East, could impact the two neighboring countries' policies toward Palestinian refugees.

Palestinians' Confidence in Preventing Displacement

Despite widespread concern, 50.4% of respondents expressed confidence that Palestinians and Arab states could prevent the displacement plan from being implemented. Optimism was notably higher in Gaza (61.3%) than in the West Bank (46.4%).

Meanwhile, 44.1% said preventing the plan was unlikely, while 5.5% were undecided. The divide may be attributed to differing political and security conditions, with many in Gaza believing armed resistance remains a viable option, while West Bank residents, living under closer Israeli security control, may feel less empowered to resist such efforts.

Frustration With Arab and Islamic States

The poll also revealed frustration with the perceived lack of support from Arab and Islamic nations. Nearly 67% of respondents said these countries were not doing enough to support Palestinians in Gaza, with dissatisfaction higher in Gaza (73.0%) than in the West Bank (64.7%).

Meanwhile, 28.4% said Arab and Islamic states were fulfilling their role. This sentiment was more prevalent in the West Bank (30.5%) than in Gaza (22.5%), suggesting that some still view diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid as valuable contributions.

Motives Behind Trump's Proposal

Asked about the primary objective of the displacement plan, 33.2% of respondents said it aimed to create a new political reality favoring Israel. Another 27.4% saw it as an effort to eliminate Hamas, while 20.5% believed it was about securing control over Gaza's natural resources, including offshore gas reserves. Nearly 19% thought the plan was designed to reduce the Palestinian population in the region.

The responses reflect broader concerns that displacement would serve Israeli strategic interests, similar to past policies involving land annexation and settlement expansion.

Potential Alternatives to Displacement

The poll also asked respondents what they saw as the best alternative to the proposed displacement. The most popular response, at 28.4%, was the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Other proposed solutions included:

• 24.7% – Increasing international pressure on Israel to lift the Gaza blockade.
• 22.8% – Improving economic conditions in Gaza.
• 17.4% – Restoring Palestinian Authority control over Gaza.
• 6.5% – No clear solution.

The findings highlight ongoing support for a political resolution, even as the viability of a two-state solution continues to be debated.

Will Palestinians Stay in Gaza?

Despite ongoing hardships, 66.3% of respondents said they believed most Palestinians in Gaza would choose to remain rather than leave. Support for staying was higher in the West Bank (70.0%) than in Gaza itself (56.1%).

However, 36.6% of Gaza respondents said they believed some would leave in search of better opportunities, compared to 26.4% in the West Bank.

Divided Opinions on Hamas and the Palestinian Authority

The poll also asked whether respondents supported transferring control of Gaza from Hamas to the Palestinian Authority. A majority of Gaza residents-62.5%-said they backed the idea, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with Hamas rule.

However, in the West Bank, only 26.2% supported such a transition. Meanwhile, 47.5% of West Bank respondents viewed Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement, compared to just 17.7% in Gaza. About 20.9% of all respondents said there was no difference between the PA and Hamas, reflecting widespread disillusionment with Palestinian leadership.

Could the U.S. Push for West Bank Displacement?

Asked whether the U.S. could push for Palestinian displacement from the West Bank in the future, 34.9% said they believed it was likely. That figure was higher in Gaza (48.0%) than in the West Bank (34.9%).

Meanwhile, 43.5% of respondents said they did not think it would happen, with opposition higher in the West Bank (49.3%) than in Gaza (27.5%).

International Community's Role

Finally, the survey asked whether the international community could play a significant role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. More than half (54.6%) of Gaza respondents and 48.2% of West Bank respondents said they believed it could.

However, 39.4% in the West Bank and 31.4% in Gaza disagreed, indicating skepticism about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.

The poll's findings reflect deep concerns among Palestinians about their future, growing frustration with regional and international actors, and a continued belief that political and economic solutions are necessary to prevent further displacement

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