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Poll finds 42 percent of Americans blame Palestinians for new violence
December 8, 2001 Posted: 6:44 PM EST (2344 GMT)
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A new poll released Saturday by Newsweek magazine suggests that more Americans hold the Palestinians responsible for recent violence in the Mideast than they do the Israelis.
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In-Depth: Mideast Struggle for Peace
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Israeli helicopter attack in Gaza
The poll also suggests that Americans believe that the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians are not committed to the peace process.
Of the 1,003 adults polled this week, 42 percent blamed the Palestinians for violence that erupted last weekend, leaving 25 Israelis dead. Eleven percent blamed Israel for the violence, while 23 percent said both sides shared the blame equally. Four percent said neither/or other was to blame, and 20 percent said they didn't know.
While a majority of those asked --- 55 percent -- said they believe Israel's use of force in response to the attacks has been appropriate, they appear less sure of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's commitment to peace. Thirty-five percent said he wants peace, with the same percentage seeing him as an obstacle to peace.
Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, however, garnered even less support as 63 percent said he was an obstacle to peace. Eighteen percent said Arafat is committed to peace in the region.
Seventy-nine percent of those asked said they are worried that the conflict might lead to a wider war involving other Mideast countries.
After last weekend's attacks, Israel presented Arafat with a list of names it said represent 36 heads of terrorist organizations that need to be arrested; the Palestinian Authority says it has arrested about 170 suspects.
Nevertheless, 63 percent of those polled said they did not believe that Arafat could control Palestinian extremists.
Despite the problems in the region, 58 percent said the United States should continue to work with Israel and the Palestinians to resolve the conflict.
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