Arab Public Opinion Strongly Affected by Gaza Conflict, Reveals Extensive Survey
The Arab Center for Research and Policy studies
** The Arab World Is anti-Israel ** “Opposition to the recognition of Israel remains high at 89%, reflecting a hardening of positions in countries like Saudi Arabia and Morocco“
Doha, January 2024
In a comprehensive survey conducted across the Arab world, the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has unveiled striking insights into the public’s perception of the Israeli war on Gaza. This poll, which surveyed 8,000 individuals from 16 Arab countries, sheds light on the psychological impact and political opinions stemming from the conflict.
The war on Gaza has resonated deeply across the Arab region, with an overwhelming 97% of respondents reporting psychological stress due to the conflict. This statistic underscores the widespread sentiment among the Arab public, viewing the conflict not just as a distant event, but as a deeply personal and local issue.
Key Findings:
– Approximately 80% of those surveyed closely follow news of the war, primarily through television and internet sources. This high engagement reflects the significance of the conflict in the daily lives of the respondents.
– The survey also reveals a strong consensus against the portrayal of Hamas’s actions as driven by foreign agendas. Instead, a substantial portion of respondents view Hamas’s military operations as a response to the ongoing Israeli occupation and defense against attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
– Interestingly, 67% view Hamas’s military operations as legitimate forms of resistance, with varying opinions on the nature of these operations.
Public Sentiment on International Responses:
– The survey indicates a critical view of the United States’ role, with 94% of respondents holding a negative view of the U.S. position and 76% reporting a more negative perception of the U.S. following the conflict.
– European countries like France, the UK, and Germany are also viewed negatively in their responses to the conflict.
– Opinions are split on the roles of Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
Broader Implications:
– A striking 92% of respondents see the Palestinian cause as an Arab issue, not just a Palestinian one. This represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating a growing regional solidarity.
– Opposition to the recognition of Israel remains high at 89%, reflecting a hardening of positions in countries like Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
– As for the steps Arab governments should take, a majority favor suspending relations or normalization processes with Israel and delivering aid to Gaza without Israeli approval.
Human Impact:
– In the West Bank, a staggering 95% of respondents feel that their safety and freedom have been negatively impacted since the conflict’s escalation.
Incidents involving raids, arrests, and harassment by settlers have been frequently reported, painting a grim picture of the situation on the ground.
Methodology: The survey, conducted from December 2023 to January 2024, represents a broad cross-section of the Arab population. It encompasses a range of countries, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and others, ensuring a diverse and representative sample.
Conclusion: The results of this extensive survey provide a stark illustration of the deep impact of the Gaza conflict on the Arab public. The findings reveal not only the psychological toll but also the strong political opinions and regional solidarity that have emerged in response to the ongoing situation.
PRESS CONTACT:
The Arab Center for Research and Policy studies
+974 40359489
rand.ashhab@dohainstitute.org
Dr Ahmed Hussein, researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy studies. email:
ahmed.hussein@dohainstitute.org
FULL SURVEY: https://pressat.co.uk/media/uploads/8d20a647157dc1196e2dcd56e7bec7f2.docx
