July 31, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many residents of the Palestinian Territories believe outside help is required to bring stability to the area, according to a poll by An-Najah National University. 58.8 per cent of respondents support sending international forces to the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many residents of the Palestinian Territories believe outside help is required to bring stability to the area, according to a poll by An-Najah National University. 58.8 per cent of respondents support sending international forces to the West Bank and 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 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. 41.3 per cent of respondents say the emergency government represents them and is legitimate, while 22.3 per cent feel the same way about Haniyeh's administration.

Yesterday, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met with Abbas and said his country backs the emergency government, declaring, "We firmly support you as the lawful leader of all Palestinians and support all your efforts directed at the achievement of unity among Palestinians. We are discussing the question of providing support to the Palestinian people and to your administration."

Polling Data

Do you support or reject sending international forces to the West Bank and Gaza Strip?

Support	58.8%
Reject	33.4%
Not sure	7.8%

Which government represents you and you consider legitimate?

The emergency government	41.3%
Ismael Haniyeh's government	22.3%
Neither / No opinion	36.4%

Source: An-Najah National University
Methodology: Interviews with 1,361 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, conducted on Jul. 25 to Jul. 27, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.