Poll Finds Most Palestinians Favor Talks, Single-State Solutions Over Two-State

A new poll conducted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) among Palestinians in the West Bank reveals a growing preference for negotiations and a decline in support for violent struggle. The survey, conducted between June 27 and July 2, 2026, with 400 adult respondents, indicates that only 27% of Palestinians support the two-state solution.

Instead, a significant majority of 65% favor one of three single-state alternatives. These include a Palestinian state without a permanent Jewish presence (26%), a Palestinian state where Jews could be residents or citizens (17%), and a single bi-national state with full equal rights (22%). The poll also showed a decrease in opposition to the idea that violent struggle has failed, with only 29% disagreeing compared to 43% in a previous survey in September 2025. Conversely, agreement rose to 57% from 50%.

Support for negotiation as the primary means to end the conflict increased to 52%, up from 43% previously. Only 13% favored non-violent popular resistance, and 12% supported armed resistance. A notable portion of respondents expressed some optimism about political progress, with 34% believing a peace agreement with Israel will be reached in the coming years.

Regarding the future of Hamas in Gaza, 40% of respondents believe Hamas should disarm, though less than half think it will agree. A plurality of 32% favored a technocratic government for Gaza's future management, a significant increase from the previous survey. The Palestinian Authority and a Fatah-Hamas unity government each received 21% support, with Hamas alone garnering only 5%.

In terms of leadership succession for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, 44% were undecided or refused to answer. Among those who expressed a preference, Marwan Barghouti, currently serving multiple life sentences in Israeli prison, led with 34% support. Hussein al-Sheikh received 8% and Mohammed Dahlan 5%.

The primary concerns for West Bank Palestinians are unemployment and livelihood issues (97%) and settler violence (96%), both ranking higher than the IDF's activities (91%). A majority of 60% reported low personal security, with direct exposure to settler violence strongly correlating with lower feelings of security.