April 16, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Apr. 16, 2003 - Most Palestinians support military operations against Israel, including suicide bombings, according to a poll by the Jerusalem Media & Communication Center. Only 25.5 per cent of respondents in the West Bank and Gaza Strip reject direct confrontation with Israel.

(CPOD) Apr. 16, 2003 - Most Palestinians support military operations against Israel, including suicide bombings, according to a poll by the Jerusalem Media & Communication Center. Only 25.5 per cent of respondents in the West Bank and Gaza Strip reject direct confrontation with Israel.

Some Palestinian political and religious factions, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have actively engaged in suicide bombings on selected Israeli targets. Many respondents do not perceive the practice in a negative light, as only 30.3 per cent condemn it.

Negotiations for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are once again at the center of the international agenda. Still, almost 70 per cent of respondents are pessimistic over a peaceful settlement with Israel.

Polling Data

Do you think the resumption of military operations against Israeli targets is a suitable response within the current political conditions?

Suitable response	64.6%
Reject it	25.1%

What is your feeling towards suicide bombing operations?

Support / Strongly support	59.9%
Oppose / Strongly oppose	30.3%

How optimistic are you towards reaching a peaceful settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict?

Optimistic / Very optimistic	29.4%
Pessimistic / Very pessimistic	69.9%

Source: Jerusalem Media & Communication Center
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews to 1,201 people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, conducted from Apr. 5 to Apr. 9, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.