June 26, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Half of the people who reside in the Palestinian Territories believe the two main political factions are equally responsible for a recent outbreak of violence, according to a poll by Near East Consulting. 50 per cent of respondents blame both Fatah and Hamas for the recent clashes in the Gaza Strip.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Half of the people who reside in the Palestinian Territories believe the two main political factions are equally responsible for a recent outbreak of violence, according to a poll by Near East Consulting. 50 per cent of respondents blame both Fatah and Hamas for the recent clashes in the Gaza Strip.

In addition, 55 per cent of respondents believe the violence could spread to reach the West Bank, and 60 per cent think the current crisis could lead to the complete separation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

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.

On Jun. 14, amid a wave of violent clashes between supporters of the two 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. 69 per cent of respondents would support holding early presidential and legislative elections in the Palestinian Territories.

Yesterday, 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."

Polling Data

Which faction do you blame for the recent clashes in the Gaza Strip?

Mainly Hamas	28%
Mainly Fatah	22%
Both equally	50%

Will the current crisis spread to reach the West Bank?

Yes	55%
No	45%

Will the current crisis lead to separation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip?

Yes	60%
No	40%

Do you support or oppose holding early presidential and legislative elections?

Yes, I support	69%
No, I oppose	31%

Source: Near East Consulting
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, conducted from Jun. 15 to Jun. 17, 2007. Margin of error is 3.4 per cent.