Israelis favour Gaza pull-out

ISRAELI opinion has swung back in favour of evacuating the occupied Gaza Strip and away from pro-settler radicals who clashed with troops and blocked roads during a week of turmoil, a newspaper poll showed yesterday.

The poll in the best-selling Yedioth Ahronoth said support for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan had risen from 53% to 62% while opposition had fallen from 38% to 31% following chaotic protests by ultra-nationalists.

Other recent polls showed support for leaving Gaza dipping below half. The pullout is due to begin in mid-August. It means Israel will for the first time up-root settlers from land where Palestinians want a state.