Rabat – While the majority of Arab youth generally oppose the normalization of ties with Israel, there is a significant level of support for such normalization among young people in the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco, according to the 2023 Arab Youth Survey.
The survey demonstrates that 50% of Moroccan youth are in favor of normalizing ties with Israel, while 44% oppose it. Similarly, in Egypt, 73% of young people support the normalization of relations, with only 12% opposing it.
The UAE follows closely, with 70% of its youth favoring normalization and 16% opposing it.
These results highlight a stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by Iraqi and Libyan youth, as 100% and 99% of them, respectively, strongly oppose the normalization of ties with Israel.
The survey found that 98% of youth in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon are opposed to normalizing relations with Israel, indicating a significant difference in opinions across the Arab world.
Regarding the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, 57% of youth in North Africa believe that a resolution is unlikely to occur in the near future.
Conversely, 60% of youth in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are more optimistic, expressing their belief that the conflict will be resolved soon.
Regarding the attention given to the Israeli-Palestinian issue by the Arab world, the survey indicates that 32% of African youth believe it receives adequate attention, while 22% disagree.
Meanwhile, 39% of GCC youth believe the issue is appropriately addressed, while 22% disagree.
Read Also: Arab Barometer: 64% of Moroccans Oppose Relations with Israel
The survey extends its focus to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, finding that 54% of North African youth believe that the existing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the West will ultimately lead to military conflict, while 38% believe that diplomatic means can resolve it.
In terms of geopolitical alliances, the survey reflects divided sentiments among Arab youth. Approximately 86% of respondents consider Israel an enemy, while 13% view it as an ally.
Similarly, 57% perceive Iran as an enemy, while 36% consider it an ally. On a more positive note, Turkey, China, and the UK are generally seen as allies by the majority of Arab youth.
Analyzing the influence of foreign powers on the Arab world, the survey finds that Arab youth perceive the United States as having the most significant influence, followed by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Russia.
According to the survey, 61% of Arab youth want the United States to disengage from the Middle East, while 36% do not.
The Arab Youth Survey’s findings reveal a complex landscape of opinions, shedding light on regional conflicts, geopolitical alliances, and the influence of foreign powers on the Arab world.
