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A majority of 58% of Americans believe that every country in the United Nations should recognize Palestine as a nation, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, as Israel and Hamas discuss the possibility of a ceasefire in the nearly two-year-long Gaza conflict.
Around 33% of those surveyed oppose the idea of UN recognition for a Palestinian state, while 9% did not respond.
The six-day survey, which concluded Monday, reveals a significant partisan divide: 78% of Democrats support recognition, compared to only 41% of Republicans under President Donald Trump. A slight majority of Republicans, 53%, do not support universal UN recognition for Palestine.
Israel has heavily relied on the U.S., its strongest ally, for billions annually in military aid and diplomatic backing. A decline in American public support could spell trouble for Israel, especially as it faces ongoing conflicts with Hamas and unresolved tensions with Iran.
A contentious Israeli settlement plan, authorized Wednesday by the Israeli government, involves building on occupied West Bank territory—land Palestinians seek for their future state.
The poll was conducted shortly after Canada, Britain, and France announced intentions to recognize a Palestinian state. This has increased pressure on Israel amid rising starvation in Gaza.
The survey was carried out during a period of cautious hope for a ceasefire, which could pause hostilities, free some hostages, and allow much-needed humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Last week, Britain, Canada, Australia, and several European countries issued statements warning that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has become critical, with aid organizations alerting that famine is imminent for many residents.
The United Nations’ human rights office reported Tuesday that Israel isn’t permitting enough supplies into Gaza to prevent widespread starvation. Israel denies guilt, accusing Hamas of diverting aid, a claim Hamas disputes.
Regarding intervention in Gaza, 65% of respondents support U.S. action to help those suffering from hunger, with 28% opposed. Among opponents, 41% are Republicans.
Many Republicans, including former President Trump, prioritize an “America First” approach, advocating deep cuts to international aid, arguing that U.S. resources should primarily assist Americans rather than foreigners.
The Gaza conflict escalated when Hamas militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023. They killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since then, Israel’s military response has resulted in over 62,000 Palestinian deaths, displaced most of Gaza’s population, and created a severe humanitarian crisis, according to Gaza health officials.
The poll also found that 59% of Americans believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza have been excessive, while 33% disagree.
In a similar poll from February 2024, 53% of respondents thought Israel’s response was excessive, with 42% opposing that view.
Requests for comment from the Israeli embassy in Washington and the Israeli mission to the United Nations were not immediately answered.
The survey was conducted online among 4,446 U.S. adults nationwide, with a margin of error of roughly 2 percentage points.
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