(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many residents of the Palestinian territories believe Hamas should stop advocating for the elimination of Israel, according to a poll by Near East Consulting. 57.2 per cent of respondents think Hamas should change its position regarding Israel.

Fatah candidate Mahmoud Abbas won the January 2005 presidential ballot with 62.32 per cent of all cast ballots. In January 2006, Hamas won the Palestinian Legislative Council election, securing 74 of the 112 seats at stake. Ismail Haniyeh officially took over as prime minister in March. The Israeli government believes Hamas is directly responsible for the deaths of 377 citizens in a variety of attacks, which include dozens of suicide bombings.

On Feb. 8 in Saudi Arabia, Hamas and Fatah leaders reached an accord which set the guidelines for a power-sharing Palestinian administration, headed by Hamas, which would "respect" past peace agreements with Israel. The new coalition government was sworn in on Mar. 17. 59.1 per cent of respondents think Hamas should do everything it can to reach a peace agreement with Israel.

On May 6, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal rejected a United States proposal for a detailed timeline to improve security and ease restrictions on movement in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The plan required the dismantling of certain Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank in return for an end to rocket attacks on Israel. Mashaal said the proposal would legitimate Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories, and instead urged all Palestinian groups to "seriously prepare themselves for battle", claiming that Israel is gearing up for an attack.

Polling Data

Should Hamas maintain its position on the elimination of Israel?

Should Hamas take all measures possible to reach a peace agreement with Israel?

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