University students’ attitudes toward the stalled peace process and normalization with the Israeli occupation

Abstract

Despite the persistent animosity between Palestinians and Israelis, the portrayal of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has undergone significant changes over time. The concept of normalization, integral to the peace process, has gained increasing prominence. Nevertheless, this concept has acted as a divisive force within the Palestinian political landscape in the West Bank, creating a clear divide between advocates and opponents. Employing a rigorously validated 19-item factorial questionnaire, the present mixed-method study endeavors to elucidate the perspectives of Palestinian university students regarding the stagnated peace process, the normalization of relations, and the security coordination with Israel. The findings of this study shed light on several intricate associations among the examined variables. They underscore that economic, political, and security considerations serve as pivotal factors contributing to the stance of Palestinian youth, wherein they show support for armed resistance and concurrently express opposition towards both normalization and security coordination with Israel. Ultimately, the study's culmination underscores a discernible pattern – that Palestinians could potentially embrace the prospect of normalizing relations with Israel and embarking on the path of peaceful coexistence, provided Israel acknowledges their rights and facilitates the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.