A new Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that US public support for Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza is decreasing, with only 32% of respondents stating that the US should support Israel compared to 41% in a previous poll. The majority of Americans now believe that Israel should call a ceasefire to the conflict, which has escalated into a humanitarian crisis.
The poll shows that 39% of respondents think the US should be a neutral mediator, while 4% support Palestinians and 15% believe the US should not be involved at all. Additionally, 68% agree that Israel should call a ceasefire and negotiate, highlighting a shift in public opinion.
The decrease in US support for Israel is concerning for the country, which relies heavily on US military aid and diplomatic support. The Biden administration has urged Israel to avoid civilian casualties but has not pressured them to implement a ceasefire. The majority of Democrats and half of Republicans support a ceasefire, despite Biden’s stance.
Only 31% of poll respondents support sending weapons to Israel, with opposition strongest among Democrats. In contrast, 41% back sending weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, with stronger support among Democrats. Some progressives in Biden’s party are calling for greater scrutiny and conditions on military aid to Israel.
The poll gathered responses from 1,006 US adults with a margin of precision of about four percentage points. Overall, the findings suggest a shift in public opinion regarding US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Photo credit
www.theguardian.com