(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Israeli government's decision to free political prisoners from the Palestinian Fatah faction has little support, according to a poll by PORI published in Maariv. 56 per cent of respondents oppose the release, which comes as a gesture of goodwill towards Palestinian Authority president and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas.

On Jun. 14, 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.

On Jun. 25, Israeli prime minister Ehud 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."

On Jul. 20, Israel released 256 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli diplomat Roey Gilad discussed the situation, saying, "We try to strike a balance between keeping our security. (...) Indeed a risk is involved, but this risk is worth a try. And we hope at the end of the day it will be more successful in the peace process."

Abbas and Olmert met last month and are trying to revive peace talks that could lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. On Jul. 27, Israeli deputy prime minister Chaim Ramon said a deal with Abbas is attainable, adding, "I think we now have a (negotiating) partner."

Polling Data

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