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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Israelis Agree with Olmert’s Prisoner Release
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Israel believe their prime minister was right to release some Palestinian prisoners, according to a poll by Shvakim Panorama released by Israel Radio. 57.4 per cent of respondents support Ehud Olmert's decision to free 250 people who do not have blood on their hands.
On Jun. 14, amid a wave of violent clashes between Palestinian supporters of the Hamas and Fatah factions, Hamas militants seized control of Gaza. Palestinian Authority president and Fatah member Mahmoud Abbas issued a decree to form a 12-member emergency government—based in the West Bank—and expelled Hamas from the administration. 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 Jun. 25, Olmert ratified his support for a Hamas-free Palestinian government and announced that 250 Palestinian prisoners "who do not have blood on their hands" would be set free as a gesture of goodwill to Abbas. Olmert defended his decision, saying, "The new government in the Palestinian Authority recognizes Israel's right to exist, and opposes terror and violence as a means of achieving its goals. (...) We will act together."
Marwan Barghouti is a former leader of Fatah, who was convicted in an Israeli court and sentenced to five life terms in prison for his alleged involvement in deadly attacks by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Many Palestinians believe the charges against Barghouti were made up, and he is considered a political prisoner. 64.6 per cent of respondents believe Israel should not release Barghouti from prison.
Polling Data
Do you support the decision to release 250 prisoners from Fatah who do not have blood on their hands?
Yes | 57.4% |
No | 37.6% |
Other | 5.0% |
Should Israel release Marwan Barghouti from prison?
Yes | 28.0% |
No | 64.6% |
Other | 7.4% |
Source: Shvakim Panorama / Israel Radio
Methodology: Interviews with 501 Israeli adults, conducted on Jun. 26, 2007. No margin of error was provided.