Poll: Most back direct Israeli-Hamas talks

JERUSALEM, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Most Israelis asked said they back direct talks with Hamas leaders in Gaza about a cease-fire and the release of a captured soldier, a poll indicated.

The findings indicate Israelis are weary of years of Qassam rockets lobbed at Sderot and communities near Gaza, as well the 18-months-plus captivity of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, the Haaretz-Dialog poll conducted Tuesday reported.

While 64 percent of respondents indicated they favored their government in direct talks with Hamas, about 28 percent said they were opposed.

An growing number of public figures, including senior officers in the Israel military's reserves, expressed similar positions regarding direct talks with Hamas, the poll indicated.

The survey also showed that Likud voters were more moderate than their Knesset representatives, with about 48 percent supporting discussions with Hamas.

Data such as poll sample size and margin of error weren't available.