Poll: World Backs Palestinian State

More people support than oppose UN recognition of Palestine as a state, with 49% of those surveyed in 19 countries supporting the proposal and 21% opposed, according to a poll of 20,466 people conducted in July and August by the BBC (and GlobeScan). About 11% think their country should abstain from the vote, or that "it depends" on one factor or another, and 19% had no opinion. With US promises of a veto over a coming UN vote on Palestinian statehood later this month, the best the Palestinians will likely be able to achieve is "non-member observer state" for now. But the BBC poll indicates that public support for Palestinian independence is strong around most of the world.

Palestinian statehood was most strongly supported by Muslim countries and China, led by Egypt with 90% of respondents supporting and only 9% opposed. Turkey was 60% in support versus 19% opposed, and Pakistan supports the move 52% to 12%. China is also in favor 56% to 9%. The United States polled the highest rate against Palestinian statehood, but even there support outweighs opposition 45% to 36%. The lowest support came from India, where only 32% of people support Palestine and 25% are opposed. Across the EU, support was fairly consistent, with 54% of people supporting in France, 53% in Germany, and 53% in the UK. (More Palestinian statehood stories.)