Palestinians really think they are the center of the world

The latest Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research poll of Palestinians, released in late December, does not have any real surprises in the answers to questions that they ask every time. 

There is still a plurality that believes that terrorism is the best way to achieve a state, far more than those who prefer negotiations.

However, oe new question reveals a great deal.

In reaction to the UK government decision to label Hamas as a terrorist organization and the idea of boycotting British products, 49% expressed the belief that such a boycott would be effective in forcing the UK government to rescind its decision while 45% think the boycott would not be effective. The belief in the efficacy of the boycott of British products is higher in the West Bank (52%) compared to the Gaza Strip (45%), among the youth between the ages of 18 and 22 (54%) compared to those whose age is 50 or higher (45%), in villages (57%) compared to refugee camps and cities (46% and 48% respectively), and among women (52%) compared to men (47%).  

First of all, PCPSR didn't even ask if people agree with calling Hamas a terror group. It is assumed that every respondent disagrees, even though they know otherwise - they see Hamas propaganda first hand.

But consider the fact that most of those who expressed an opinion felt that a Palestinian boycott of British good would cause the British to change their minds.

How much trade is there between the UK and the Palestinian Authority?

According to the UK's Department for International Trade, the total UK imports from "Occupied Palestinian Territories" amounted to £9 million ($12 million) in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2021.

Palestinians were the UK’s 184th largest trading partner in those four quarters, accounting for less than 0.1% of total UK trade.

The UK does more trade with well-known economic powerhouses the US Minor Outlying Islands, Laos, Vanuatu, St Kitts and Liechtenstein than it does with the Palestinians. 

Annual Palestinian trade with the UK is worth less than two hours of trade between the US and the UK. 

If Palestinians would boycott Great Britain, no one would notice. 

After decades of getting huge amounts of media attention, Palestinians really think they are important to the world, and that their economic might can bring a great power to its knees.

This fantasy world they live in is another reason why peace is impossible. They always believe they have the upper hand, and there are plenty of prominent people who pretend to be in "solidarity" with them which strengthens that belief. So why compromise when they are convinced they will win outright?

---

---