A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in American sympathies in the Middle East, showing a growing alignment with the Palestinians, particularly amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. This marks a notable change from three years ago, when 54% of Americans expressed more sympathy for Israelis compared to 31% for Palestinians. Currently, those figures are nearly equal, with 41% now siding with Palestinians and 36% with Israelis.
This evolving sentiment highlights the increasing contention surrounding U.S. support for Israel, which is acutely felt within American political circles. Much of the change is attributed to a transformation in attitudes among Democrats. Approximately two-thirds of Democrats now favor the Palestinians, contrasting sharply with 2016 when nearly half expressed sympathy for Israelis and only a quarter for Palestinians.
The conflict heightened following Hamas’s attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed around 1,200 lives, primarily civilians, and sparked a massive Israeli response that has led to devastation in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll, reported at over 72,000, has prompted some U.S. politicians and activists to label Israel’s actions as genocide—a claim Israel strongly disputes.
Interestingly, while Democrats show increased sympathy toward Palestinians, Republicans maintain a strong preference for Israelis, with about 70% expressing support. Yet even within the Republican Party, there is a slight decline in this support compared to pre-war sentiments, particularly from the isolationist wing.
Another demographic factor is the generational divide. Younger adults aged 18 to 34 have consistently leaned towards favoring Palestinians since approximately 2020, with nearly half expressing sympathy toward them in the latest poll. Similarly, a striking shift has occurred among middle-aged Americans, who now align more with Palestinians than Israelis, a reversal from the previous year. Meanwhile, older Americans remain predominantly supportive of Israel, but this gap is narrowing.
The poll also found that 57% of U.S. adults endorse the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Support for this two-state solution is reflected in around 75% of Democrats and about 60% of independents, though only a third of Republicans agree. This contrasts with the views of Israelis and Palestinians living in affected areas, who show far lower support for the two-state solution, indicating a disconnect between American public opinion and regional perspectives.
As American sentiments continue to evolve, particularly in light of recent events, the implications for U.S. foreign policy and political dynamics are profound. This ongoing shift underscores a critical moment in understanding American views on the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggesting that awareness and discourse around the issue are likely to grow.