CIAO DATE: 09/2012

Palestinian youth and the Arab Spring

March 2012

Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre

Abstract

This report investigates young Palestinians’ views of their economic and political situation and their interest and level of engagement in politics with reference to two momentous political events in 2011: the Arab Spring and the Palestinian bid for statehood at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. A main question is whether the Occupied Palestinian Territories are experiencing a reinvigoration of youth activism. The findings suggest that Palestinian youth have largely exited from politics, prioritising personal affairs (family and job) when considering the current situation and their future. They are unhappy with a difficult job situation, although West Bank youth express more optimism about the future than young people in the Gaza Strip. Corruption and political favouritism are experienced as a major problem on the personal level in both areas. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas governments are also criticised in regard to the state of democracy, freedom of expression and human rights, more so in the Gaza Strip than in the West Bank. However, neither government is completely condemned, on account of their success in raising the level of security (the Gaza Strip) and economic prosperity (the West Bank). Widespread discontent with their situation among the youth does not translate into increased political interest or engagement. Instead, the majority have abandoned organised politics and what they consider a political class associated mostly with Fatah and Hamas and to which few seem to see any alternative. There are several reasons for this passive attitude. Firstly, since 1993, grassroots activism has been discouraged by the existence of a political elite that aspires to represent the resistance. Secondly, there is a widespread culture of fear in regard to political activity, so resourceful youth resort to less dangerous cultural and social activism, while the most critical voices choose political exit rather than confrontation with the authorities. A third reason is that international aid to the Palestinians effectively deflects energy away from political activism to the benefit of less contentious social and cultural initiatives. Fourthly, Palestinian youth do not seem to think that their situation is desperate enough to warrant any large-scale departure from the political routine and instead invoke the concept of sumud (resilience) or simply try to realise their full human potential as a silent form of resistance, leaving the political initiative in the hands of their leaders. Thus, the Arab Spring has not led to Palestinian youth questioning fundamentally the performance of their leaders, while President Mahmoud Abbas’s going to the UN has not inspired noticeable enthusiasm either. The existing youth groups, whether outside or inside established organisations, will have to work hard to engage their young compatriots. The governments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip do not face an imminent explosion of youth anger – but neither do they inspire much enthusiasm among the young people they are dependent on to wage a successful liberation struggle.

Resource link: Palestinian youth and the Arab Spring [PDF] - 1.1M