Poll: Most Americans Support Palestinian State Recognition

A

majority of Americans believe that all United Nations member states should recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week, as Israel and Hamas consider a possible ceasefire in the nearly two-year-long Gaza genocide.

The nationwide survey, conducted over six days and concluding Monday, found that 58% of respondents support universal recognition of a Palestinian state, while 33% opposed the idea and 9% expressed no opinion. The findings come at a time of mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza and growing international pressure on Israel.

The poll revealed a sharp partisan divide on the issue. Among Democrats, support for Palestinian recognition was overwhelming, with 78% in favor. In contrast, only 41% of Republicans backed the move, while a narrow majority of 53% opposed it. Independents were more evenly split but leaned toward recognition.

The results suggest a gradual shift in U.S. public opinion, traditionally aligned with Israel, as the war drags on and civilian suffering escalates. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s genocide has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and displaced the majority of Gaza’s population, according to local health authorities.

Humanitarian concerns drive support for action

Beyond the question of statehood, the poll found that 65% of Americans believe the U.S. should take action to alleviate starvation in Gaza, a sentiment echoed by recent statements from Western allies including Britain, Canada, and Australia, which have warned of “unimaginable” humanitarian suffering in the enclave. Twenty-eight percent of respondents opposed U.S. intervention to prevent hunger, including 41% of Republicans.

The United Nations human rights office said this week that Israel has not allowed sufficient humanitarian supplies into Gaza to prevent famine.

The survey comes just weeks after Canada, Britain, and France announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state, adding to Israel’s diplomatic challenges as it faces criticism over its military strategy and settlement expansion. On Wednesday, an Israeli government statement confirmed final approval for a contentious settlement plan cutting across occupied West Bank land sought by Palestinians for a future state.

Israel relies heavily on U.S. military aid and diplomatic backing, and analysts say declining American public support could carry long-term implications for this relationship.

U.S. policy still aligned with Israel—for now

Despite shifting public opinion, the Biden administration has maintained its stance that recognition of a Palestinian state should come through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, not unilateral moves. Former President Donald Trump and many Republicans continue to prioritize an “America First” foreign policy, favoring cuts to overseas aid programs.

The poll suggests that Americans are increasingly critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza: 59% said Israel’s military response has been excessive, up from 53% in a similar Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in February 2024.

The online poll surveyed 4,446 adults across the United States and carries a margin of error of about 2 percentage points.

(Source: Reuters)