Public opinion is evenly balanced on Israel and the Palestinians in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, new polling has revealed.

One in five Britons describe their feeling toward Israel as "warm", a slight increase on the last figure in 2011.

But 62 per cent feel "cold" towards the state - almost the same amount as feel "cold" towards the Palestinians.

Nearly half of poll respondents said they cannot understand why Israel is singled out for a boycott and that they would not support such moves.

Less than a quarter felt an economic boycott would increase Israel's willingness to negotiate.

Israel supporters hope the figures will answer the concerns of those who believe attitudes have turned heavily against the country in the past year.

The polling of 2,000 people was conducted online a fortnight ago by Populus on behalf of the We Believe in Israel advocacy group and the Jewish Leadership Council.

It showed 62 per cent of people believe Israel and the Palestinians were equally at fault for the ongoing dispute.

Asked whether they supported Israel's right to exist as a majority Jewish state, 44 per cent said yes, but only as part of a two-state solution.

The phrases people most associate with Israel are "Jewish" and "under threat", but also "aggressive" or "bullying".