A recent poll prepared by Dr Nabil Kukali and published by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (www.pcpo.org) has revealed key concerns among the population of the Gaza Strip. Conducted prior to the ceasefire between August 14th-19th, 70.9% of Palestinian Gazans stated they were worried about their families' livelihoods, with 72.5% concerned about further military confrontation with Israel.
77.6% of those questioned believe that Israel has been "painfully beaten" by the Palestinian militants, with 54.9% thinking that the Israeli deterrence has receded in the wake of military operations in Gaza. A slight majority (52.6%) support the resumption of peace negotiations with Israel.
In a statement, Dr Kukali noted that Gazans at present are principally concerned with regaining a feeling of security and with the reconstruction of the Strip, which will in turn open up a wider range of work opportunities. He called upon the international community to speed up the lifting of the blockade on Gaza alongside reconstruction efforts.