Public opinion in conflict zones can be influenced by limited access to information and biased media coverage, leading to widespread support for actions that may seem unjustifiable. In the case of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a significant percentage of Palestinians supported Hamas's actions without being exposed to evidence of atrocities committed. This highlights the impact of information accessibility and media influence on shaping public perceptions in conflict regions.
Pollster and political scientist Dahlia Scheindlin has worked extensively with public opinion polls of both Palestinians and Israelis. Listen as she talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the dreams, fears, anger, and frustration of both sides. Along the way she analyzes the mood of Arab-Israelis and what optimism, if any, she has for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians in the aftermath of October 7th.