Occupied Quds – SABA:
A public opinion poll published on Sunday by the Israeli newspaper Maariv revealed that an overwhelming majority of residents in the settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip (the so-called “Gaza Envelope”) feel unsafe and have growing doubts about Israel’s deterrence capabilities nearly two years into the ongoing war.
- 70% of respondents believe Israeli deterrence toward Gaza is either “weak” or “very weak.”
- 78% of residents say they feel no sense of security in the area due to ongoing hostilities and instability.
- 63% said that the return of Israeli captives held in Gaza is essential to restoring their sense of security.
- A staggering 93% believe that the current security policies are failing to eliminate the threats emanating from Gaza.
- 30.4% of residents are considering or planning to migrate from the area due to the deteriorating security situation.
- 77% of respondents said they do not trust the Israeli media, accusing it of downplaying threats and whitewashing the harsh reality.
- 76.8% expressed no trust in the Israeli government.
- 56% distrust Shin Bet (Shabak), the internal security agency.
- 45.5% said they have lost trust in the Israeli army.
These findings come just days after the Israeli government announced it would allow Gaza Envelope residents to return to their towns for the first time since October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led attacks triggered the current phase of conflict.
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