(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Israel want their military forces to continue to fight Hamas instead of seeking a truce, according to a poll by Maagar Mochot released by Israel Radio. 56 per cent of respondents want the government to continue the war against the Palestinian militant organization, while 33 per cent would prefer a ceasefire agreement.

Additionally, 49 per cent of respondents think the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) should try to eliminate the Hamas leaders immediately, and 51 per cent would support a large-scale IDF land operation in Gaza to crack down on Hamas militants.

Fatah candidate Mahmoud Abbas won the January 2005 presidential ballot in the Palestinian Territories 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. Hamas leader 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.

In February 2007, 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. In June, amid a wave of violent clashes between Palestinian supporters of the Hamas and Fatah factions, Hamas militants seized control of Gaza. Abbas issued a decree to form a 12-member emergency government—based in the West Bank—and expelled Hamas from the administration. Fatah member Salam Fayyad was appointed as prime minister by Abbas.

In November 2007, Abbas and leaders from the United States, Israel and several Arab countries attended an international conference on Middle East affairs in Annapolis, Maryland. The meeting was brokered by United States president George W. Bush. On Nov. 27, Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert announced they would work towards having a peace treaty signed by the end of 2008, which would include the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Islamic Jihad organization has been launching Qassam rockets into Israel from Gaza almost daily since Hamas took control of the territory. Israel holds Hamas responsible for the attacks for allowing the Islamic Jihad and other groups to act against Israel. In January, Israel completely sealed off its borders with the Gaza Strip.

On May 20, Israeli officials reportedly accepted a ceasefire proposal developed by Egyptian leaders. An unnamed spokesman declared: "Israeli leaders [have informed us] of their support for and understanding of the Egyptian proposals for a truce." Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, did not confirm the news, saying, "As far as we are concerned, we can only indicate that contacts [with Hamas and the Egyptian government] are continuing."

Polling Data

What would you prefer for the government of Israel to do today?

Should the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) act today to eliminate the Hamas leaders?

Should the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launch today a large scale land operation in Gaza despite the possibility of IDF soldiers being hurt?

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