Iraqi perception on Gaza mixed

BAGHDAD, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The public perception in Iraq over the level of support the government should extend to the citizens in the Gaza Strip is mixed, an informal survey shows.

An informal survey conducted by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting found a general level of support for the people of the Gaza Strip in the wake of the Israeli offensive against the militant Hamas.

The Israeli military concluded its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip after nearly a month of military activity in the tiny Palestinian territory. The international community expressed outrage over the level of devastation caused in the already poverty-stricken territory.

Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi called on Israel to halt its military activity in the Gaza Strip following a Jan. 16 meeting with Sen. Joe Biden, D.-Del., before he became U.S. vice president. Baghdad last week sent shipments of aid to Jordan for the relief effort for the Palestinians as well.

Public opinion varies in Iraq, with some expressing solidarity with their Arab brethren in Palestine, saying Baghdad should do more to pressure Israel.

Others, however, say Iraq has its own problems to deal with as the reconstruction effort there approaches its sixth year, while others express outrage at the consequence of Hamas rocket attacks against Israel.

Iraq under Saddam Hussein was an ardent supporter of the Palestinians, offering $10,000 to families who conducted suicide operations against Israeli soldiers.