LONDON, March 14, 2011 (WAFA) - The latest research by the polling institution ICM Government and Social Research Unit said on Monday that the majority of Europeans opposed their governments’ support of Israel.
The Poll which was carried out in six major European countries: Britain, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy said that 39% of Europeans disagree that their countries should support Israel rather than the Palestinians; while almost four folds, and a mere 10%, agree.
It also said that a clear majority of Europeans, 58%, oppose changing the law to make it easier for those accused of war crimes to visit Europe, only 10% agree to make such changes. More interestingly, in UK, where this issue is hotly debated, with Conservatives are committed to change the law even though only 7% supporting the change. This was the lowest recorded percentage in Europe. It should be note that 2000 people were polled in the UK with margin error of 2%. Yet the government is determined to press ahead with this unpopular policy.
In addition, 34% believe Israel is NOT a democracy, while less than half, 45%, believe it is a democracy. In Italy and Spain: 41% believe Israel is not a democracy.
Furthermore it said that 65% believe Israel does NOT treat all religious groups the same, only 13% believe it does.
45% of Europeans believe Hamas should be included in the Peace Process, only 25% believe it should be excluded (in UK 44% want Hamas to be included, while only 19% are against. Interestingly, a recent survey by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research for opinions of British Jews showed that 52% supported negotiating with Hamas for peace, the poll added.
It also said that 6. 50% do not agree that criticizing Israel is anti-Semitic, while 12% consider it anti-Semitic.
