Publications

Street Pulse II of the West Bank & East Jerusalem

This street pulse explores the social and political psychology of Palestinians in the West Bank in light of the escalation of violence which began in October 7th 2023 on the Israel-Gaza border. It also looks at Palestinian preferences for a post-war strategy. The design and analysis of the survey are grounded in Hope Theory (Snyder, 1989, 1994, 2002), Appraisal Theory (Smith & Ellsworth, 1985), and other relevant research (Miceli & Castelfranchi, 2010, and OA Leshem, 2017).

Data collection for round II took place between December 13 - 20, 2023. The analysis builds on our previous Street Pulse (October 23 - 27). Some findings of this research are contingent on the events that are still unfolding, and may change over the course of the war.

Key Insights and Takeaways from the report:

  • Both negative emotions (e.g. helplessness, anger and fear) and the belief that the occupation is closer to ending have held steady since October

  • Most WB & EJ Palestinians want elections immediately after the war and do not want to see changes in Gaza governance without going to the polls

  • The vast majority of WB & EJ residents would rather democratically reform the PA/PLO than dissolve it

  • Just over 50% of Palestinians support a two-state solution (1967 borders) and many more would support it in the event of serious negotiations

  • Over 67% of WB and EJ Palestinians want to live in a civic and democratic state rather than a religious state ruled by Sharia