Between Distrust and the Possibility of Coexistence
I am pleased to submit for your consideration the attached article entitled:
“Between Distrust and the Possibility of Coexistence: How Do Palestinians View the Conditions for Sustainable Peace?”
The article was prepared and written by Dr. Nabil Kukali, Founder and President of the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (PCPO). It examines Palestinian public attitudes toward mutual trust, coexistence, and the political, social, and security conditions required to achieve sustainable peace.
The article is based on a public opinion survey conducted by PCPO among 309 respondents from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The survey used Random Digit Dialing and Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing. Fieldwork was conducted between July 5 and July 18, 2026, with a response rate of 64% and a statistical margin of error of ±5.57% at a 95% confidence level.
The findings reveal a clear paradox: although trust between Palestinians and Israelis remains extremely low and perceptions of the current situation are largely negative, the possibility of future coexistence has not been completely rejected. Instead, respondents linked sustainable peace to ending the occupation and violence, achieving justice and equal rights, guaranteeing security, dignity, and freedom for both peoples, and building mutual trust and respect.
The article argues that political agreements are essential, but they cannot by themselves create genuine and lasting peace. Sustainable peace must also produce meaningful changes in people’s daily lives and be supported by fair political arrangements, reciprocal security, economic development, communication, and respect for national rights.
I believe that the article will contribute to the public and policy debate on Palestinian–Israeli relations by presenting recent survey-based evidence on the obstacles to peace and the conditions under which trust, coexistence, and improved relations may become possible.
I would be grateful for your consideration of the article for publication. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nabil Kukali
Founder and President
Palestinian Center for Public Opinion – PCPO
Beit Sahour, Palestine