Survey shows growing US concern over Israel’s Gaza genocide
Nearly half of Americans believe Israel’s military response in Gaza has “gone too far,” reflecting a marked shift in public opinion
LOS ANGELES, United States (MNTV) — Nearly half of Americans believe Israel’s “military response” in Gaza has “gone too far,” reflecting a marked shift in public opinion as the humanitarian crisis deepens, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.
The poll found 50% of US adults now see Israel’s campaign as excessive, up from 40% in November 2023, shortly after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. Concern spans party lines: seven in ten Democrats, about half of independents, and nearly a quarter of Republicans say the offensive has overreached.
Despite that, fewer Americans view negotiating a cease-fire as a top US priority than earlier this year. Roughly half now say brokering a permanent truce is “extremely” or “very” important, down from 59% in March. Republicans show the sharpest decline, while Democrats’ views remain steady.
The survey comes as Israel expands ground operations in Gaza City, with UN experts warning of genocide. Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reports more than 65,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed. Nearly 90% of the enclave’s residents have been displaced, and famine has been declared in parts of the north.
Respondents expressed anguish over civilian suffering. “There’s just no justification for this kind of suffering to continue,” said Renee Hollier, an independent from Louisiana. Miguel Martinez, a Republican from Miami, said humanitarian aid must remain a priority even as Washington backs Israel’s fight against Hamas.
Approval of President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict has slipped to 37% from 44% in March, with voters across the spectrum doubtful he can secure a lasting cease-fire.
Support for US military aid to Israel has also waned. Only two in ten Americans now consider it highly important, down sharply from 36% at the start of the war, with Democrats registering the steepest drop.
Meanwhile, about three in ten adults say negotiating a Palestinian state should be a high priority, with support strongest among Democrats. The UN General Assembly last week voted overwhelmingly for a two-state solution, a move opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rejected by Washington.
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