Palestinians expect new intifada to erupt, according to polling
More than half of Palestinians expect a new intifada to erupt as a result of Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank, a new survey has revealed.
According to a survey carried out by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 61 percent of Palestinians expect a new uprising, while 68 percent support the formation of armed groups, such as the Nablus-based Lions' Den, who do not take orders from the Palestinian Authority.
While 52 percent said they were worried that the formation of such groups could lead to armed clashes with the PA security services, 52 percent also said that "the Palestinian people's interest lies in the collapse or dissolution of the PA".
A large majority, 70 percent, said that they believed that "punitive measures" by Israeli forces against Palestinians would lead to more attacks against Israelis, and 71 percent of respondents also said they supported the shooting of two Israeli settlers in Huwwara last month.
In previous years, tensions between Palestinians and Israeli forces have risen during Ramadan, with Israeli forces imposing heavy security measures in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque, which often lead to confrontations.
The first Friday Ramadan prayers at the mosque ended peacefully despite Israel's movement restrictions.
On Saturday night, however, Israeli police said they had entered the courtyard to remove some worshippers who they said were planning to "violate public order".
Since the start of the year, there have been more Israeli raids and more violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank than in the same period in previous years.
The killing of Abu Khadijeh in the town of Izbat Shufa, southeast of Tulkarm, on Thursday brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israelis so far this year to at least 87, including 16 children.
It's the bloodiest start to a year since 2000, the year the Second Intifada began, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
This article is available in French on Middle East Eye French edition.
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