(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Two-in-five Israelis are in favour of launching a large military operation in the Gaza Strip, according to a poll by Maagar Mochot released by Israel Radio. 44 per cent of respondents agree with this view, while 33 per cent support signing a ceasefire agreement.

In February 2007, Hamas and Fatah leaders reached an accord which set the guidelines for a power-sharing Palestinian administration, headed by Hamas. In June, amid a wave of violent clashes between 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.

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 and launched military operations in Gaza.

Last month, Israeli and Palestinian delegates began to negotiate a ceasefire in Egypt. On Jun. 13, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev discussed the current state of affairs, saying, "The security cabinet decided this morning to support Egyptian efforts to achieve calm in the south and end the daily targeting of Israeli civilians by the terrorists in Gaza. In parallel, the security cabinet instructed the military to continue its preparations in the unfortunate event that the Egyptian track should prove to be unsuccessful."

Polling Data

Do you today support signing a ceasefire agreement with Hamas or a large military operation in Gaza?

Source: Maagar Mochot / Israel Radio
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 514 Israeli adults, conducted on Jun. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.

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