New poll finds Palestinians deeply distrust their leaders

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territory – A new public opinion survey shows the overwhelming majority of Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are disillusioned with their leaders and desperate for presidential elections.

The poll, conducted by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center and released Tuesday, shows that only 11% of Palestinians trust Fatah leader President Mahmoud Abbas and 6% trust rival Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh. Around 48% say they don’t trust any political figure, and 87% are demanding elections.

The survey, which has a margin of error of 3%, is based on the responses of 1,200 people.

The Palestinian leadership hasn’t held elections since 2005 due to a bitter split between the West Bank’s governing Fatah movement and Gaza’s Hamas rulers.

Abbas’ 14-year rule has been marked by corruption and deepening Palestinian division.