Global poll: 49% in favor of Palestinian state

BBC poll of 19 nations shows more people support Palestinian bid for UN recognition than oppose it

Ynet Reporters|Published: 09.19.11 , 09:44

A global poll conducted by the BBC shows that more people support United Nations recognition of an independent Palestinian state than oppose it. According to the poll, which surveyed 20,446 people across 19 nations, 49% were in favor of the Palestinian bid, while 21% said the proposal should be voted down. Some 30% abstained from taking sides.

Not surprisingly, the most widespread support for the Palestinian cause came from Egypt, where 90% were in favor of the unilateral statehood drive and only 9% had reservations about it. High rates of support registered in other Muslim nations as well, including Turkey (60% in favor, 19% against), Pakistan (52% in favor, 12% against) and Indonesia (51% in favor, 16% against).

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The US and the Philippines showed the highest rates of opposition to UN recognition with 36% each. However, 45% of those surveyed in the US and 56% of those in the Philippines cast their vote in favor.

The lowest level of support registered in India, where 32% were in favor and 25% opposed. In contrast, those surveyed in China showed enthusiasm for the Palestinian proposal, with 56% support and only 9% opposition.

Public opinion on the issue was quite similar among the three largest European Union member nations, with 54% support and 20% opposition in France, 53% support and 28% opposition in Germany and 53% support and 26% opposition in the UK.

As the diplomatic kerfuffle was about to come to a head with the Palestinian delegation arriving in New York for its expected application for UN membership, representatives of the Mideast Quartet and Israeli officials made efforts to restart the stalled peace talks in an attempt to thwart the unilateral measure.