(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in the Palestinian territories consider Turkey as their closest ally in the region, according to a poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. 43 per cent of respondents believe Turkey is the most supportive of the Palestinians and their cause.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in the Palestinian territories consider Turkey as their closest ally in the region, according to a poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. 43 per cent of respondents believe Turkey is the most supportive of the Palestinians and their cause.
In February 2007, Hamas and Fatah leaders reached an accord which set the guidelines for a power-sharing administration of the Palestinian Authority, headed by Hamas. In June, amid a wave of violent clashes between Hamas and Fatah factions, Hamas militants seized control of Gaza.
In January 2008, Israel completely sealed off its borders with Gaza. This followed insistent launching of rockets into Israel by Hamas. The border closure has left Gaza isolated. It is difficult to receive cargo of all types, including humanitarian aid.
On May 31, Israel raided a flotilla of six ships occupied mostly by Turkish, pro-Palestinian citizens who were attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Nine people died in the confrontation, and dozens more were detained and later deported by Israel. The raid—which will be subject to various investigations—sparked widespread condemnation of Israel and brought the Gaza blockade under the spotlight. It also soured relations between Turkey and Israel.
On Jun. 15, upon Israel announcing it would set up a special committee to investigate the events on the raided ships, Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu declared: "We have no trust at all that Israel [can conduct] an objective investigation."
Polling Data
Which regional country is the most supportive of the Palestinians and their cause?
|
Turkey
|
43%
|
|
Egypt
|
13%
|
|
Iran
|
6%
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
5%
|
|
Syria
|
5%
|
|
Lebanon
|
3%
|
|
Jordan
|
2%
|
Source: Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Palestinian adults in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, conducted from Jun. 10 to Jun. 13, 2010. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
