LONDON: A recent survey conducted by YouGov has revealed that a majority of Palestinians consider China and Russia to be potentially effective mediators for peace talks with Israel. The survey, conducted in May, indicated that Palestinians’ most preferred mediator was Russia, closely followed by the European Union and China. In contrast, the United States received little support among residents of the West Bank and Gaza.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, commented on the survey results, stating that Russia had not betrayed the hopes placed upon it.
The Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated Russia’s belief in the existing international legal framework, the Arab peace initiative in Al-Taif, and the groundwork achieved between Israelis and Palestinians through the negotiation process based on a two-state solution.
The department emphasized that Moscow’s position was clear, unchangeable, and not subject to political conjuncture. Russia has consistently advocated for direct negotiations between the conflicting parties.
80% Palestinians support Chinese role in peace talks with Israel
The survey respondents’ favorable view of China as a potential mediator stems from Beijing’s success in brokering the Saudi-Iranian diplomatic agreement in March. An overwhelming 80 percent of respondents who expressed a clear opinion supported a Chinese role in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
China’s offer to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Palestine in April, amidst rising tension in Jerusalem, further solidified its appeal.
However, the survey showed that nearly 60 percent of participants did not trust the United States to mediate Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, despite recognizing its significant influence over Israel.
The US has long been viewed by Palestinians as a biased and unfair broker due to its overt pro-Israel stance, strategic alliance, and routine support for pro-Israel resolutions in Congress.
Responding to the survey, experts noted the declining influence of the US in the region and highlighted the EU’s lack of unity as a potential mediator.
While the EU was the respondents’ second preferred mediator among the suggested major powers, the lack of consensus among member states hampers its effectiveness. Some experts suggested a mediation model through the United Nations, involving major powers as guarantors of any agreement.
The survey results underscore Palestinians’ skepticism towards the US as a neutral mediator and their preference for alternative mediators such as China and Russia.
