RAMALLAH /PNN /
A new public opinion poll indicates that Palestinians increasingly view the private sector as a critical pillar of economic resilience, as the effects of the clearance revenue crisis and banking restrictions deepen, eroding purchasing power and raising concerns about unemployment and poverty.
The survey, conducted by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion between June 24 and July 5, 2026, with a sample of 503 respondents, found that 74% believe the private sector has played a key role in keeping the economy functioning during recent crises. Meanwhile, 72% said its continued operation helps limit unemployment and poverty, and 71% identified reviving the sector as the fastest way to stimulate economic recovery.
Rising hardship among households
According to the findings, 70.2% of respondents said their household living conditions had been significantly or very significantly affected by the crisis and delays in public sector salaries, rising to 84.7% when those reporting a moderate impact are included.
The most prominent effects included declining monthly income (29.8%), rising debt and financial obligations (26.4%), and difficulty covering basic needs (23.1%). Only 12.3% said their households had not been directly affected.
The data also showed that 84.9% of surveyed households live on less than 4,000 shekels per month, underscoring financial vulnerability in which even minor shocks—such as delayed salaries or price increases—can lead to debt or cuts in essential spending.
Spending cuts ripple through the market
About 83.5% said delays or reductions in salaries had altered their spending patterns. Households reported difficulties meeting loan repayments (55.5%), healthcare costs (54.3%), basic goods (51.9%), education (48.9%), and utility bills (41.4%).
Researchers said this decline in spending has directly impacted market performance, reducing sales, increasing outstanding debts, and weakening companies’ ability to sustain operations.
Overall, 92.6% of respondents said the crisis has weakened purchasing power, while 90.7% said it has increased poverty and unemployment.
Fuel shortages and banking limits add pressure
The poll highlighted additional strain from fuel shortages and banking restrictions. Some 65.7% said banking constraints significantly affect business operations, rising to 88.3% when moderate impact is included, particularly due to difficulties depositing and transferring shekels.
Fuel shortages have also disrupted supply chains and increased production and transport costs, further limiting companies’ ability to operate.
Concerns over migration and economic decline
About 75.5% warned that continued economic strain could push more Palestinians to seek work abroad or emigrate, reflecting growing uncertainty about future prospects.
Meanwhile, 57.3% said shrinking business activity would lead to higher unemployment, lower incomes, reduced purchasing power, and slower economic growth. By contrast, 56% said improving the business environment would boost jobs, income, and investment.
Calls for comprehensive solutions
On recovery measures, 49.3% supported a comprehensive package combining support for the private sector, resolving the clearance revenue crisis, addressing the shekel surplus, and backing small businesses. Another 53.3% said recovery plans should cover all productive sectors.
About 36% said economic recovery requires coordinated action between the government, private sector, banks, and international actors, while 67% said recovery depends on both easing political constraints and implementing internal economic reforms.
The findings suggest that the current crisis has moved beyond public finances to affect nearly all aspects of economic life, from household income to business performance. Respondents increasingly see protecting the private sector and maintaining economic activity as essential to preventing further deterioration and preserving social and economic stability.
