Most Palestinians Barely See Chance for Two-state Solution Under Trump, Poll Shows

The vast majority of Palestinians believe U.S. President Donald Trump's policies will only lead to more Israeli-Palestinian tensions, or to stagnation, according to a poll released by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research on Tuesday.

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The survey of 1,700 respondents, undertaken in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, revealed that only 9 percent believe Trump will be able to relaunch Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not fare well either.

The results of the premier's dismal performance, with 64 percent of respondents demanding his resignation, were released as Abbas was hosting Trump's envoy Jason Greenblatt to discuss peace efforts. Greenblatt met Monday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

While Abbas's poor public standing is nothing new (Abbas received similar results in a poll three months ago), Tuesday's poll suggests that if presidential elections were to be held today, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh would have an equal chance at victory. The results follow protests in Ramallah on Monday calling for Abbas's resignation.

For most Palestinians, a two-state solution under the Trump administration is not a likely outcome. According to the poll, the vast majority of Palestinians, a whopping 70 percent, believe that the chances for creating an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel during the next five years are slim, or non-existent.

A statement released by the U.S. said Greenblatt confirmed Trump's interest in promoting Palestinian economic growth, and discussed America's hope to work out an approach to settlement building that is consistent with the U.S. goal of reaching a peace deal.

The Palestinians, it seems, are yet to be convinced.