What Do Israelis Think Of The Gaza Blockade?
Image by Getty Images
By Naomi Zeveloff February 27, 2017
A majority of Israelis think that Israel’s blockade against the Gaza Strip is endangering their security, a new poll has found.
The poll, which was commissioned by Gisha, an Israeli human rights group focused on freedom of movement for Gazans, found that 67% of Israelis think that Israel’s conduct in Gaza has worsened security since the 2005 disengagement.
The poll also found that 69% of Israelis believe it is in their interest to improve living conditions in Gaza. A similar number of Israelis (70%), said that Gazan hostility toward Israel would decrease if the economic situation were bettered.
Israel has maintained a blockade against the Gaza Strip since 2007, after Hamas seized control of the area in a battle with rival group Fatah. Israel says it must maintain its strict control of the border, sea and airspace for security reasons. Human rights groups decry the blockade as collective punishment.
“The government’s policy is not supported by the majority of the public,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, the pollster who conducted the survey, in a press release. “The public is pragmatic and makes the connection between the needs of the civilian population and the level of tension and violence.”
Contact Naomi Zeveloff at [email protected]
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
