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Britons Blame Both Sides in Gaza Conflict
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Britain think Israel and the militant organization Hamas are both responsible for the recent outbreak of violence in the Gaza Strip, according to a poll by YouGov. 39 per cent of respondents say both are equally to blame for the conflict.
However, 24 per cent of respondents place the brunt of the blame on Hamas, while 18 per cent accuse Israel of being mostly responsible.
The Islamic Jihad organization launched Qassam rockets into Israel from Gaza almost daily since the Islamic militant and political faction Hamas took control of the territory in June 2007. Israel holds Hamas responsible for the attacks for allowing Islamic Jihad and other groups to act against Israel. On Dec. 21, 2008, a six-month "calm agreement" between Israel and Hamas expired. The launching of rockets into southern Israel resumed.
On Dec. 27, Israel launched a series of aerial attacks against what it deems "Hamas targets" in the Gaza Strip, including the Al Aqsa television station and the Islamic University of Gaza. On Jan. 3, Israeli ground troops entered Gaza. More than 1,300 people died on the Palestinian side and more than 5,000 were wounded. Women and children account for more than a third of the Palestinian fatalities, and almost half of the injuries. The Israeli death toll is tabled at 13 people.
On Jan. 18, both Israel and Hamas announced separate ceasefires. On that same day, British prime minister Gordon Brown pledged more than $27 million U.S. in humanitarian aid for Gaza, adding, "Too many innocent civilians, including hundreds of children, have been killed during the military offensive."
Polling Data
Turning now to events in the Middle East: For the past three weeks there has been a significant military conflict, with Israel launching attacks into Gaza, and Hamas, the Palestinian organization running Gaza, firing rockets into Israel. From what you know who do you blame for this conflict?
|
Israel |
18% |
|
Hamas |
24% |
|
Both equally |
39% |
|
Don’t know |
19% |
Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,000 British voters, conducted on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, 2009. No margin of error was provided.