Gen Z support for Hamas increases six percent in one month

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Newsweek
30 Apr 2024 23:16

A recent survey conducted by Harvard CAPS-Harris highlights a growing trend among Generation Z exhibiting support for Hamas amid the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

A sign is seen as pro-Palestinian protesters gather to demonstrate against Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in front of Sproul Hall on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, in Berkeley, California, April 23, 2024. (AP)

A recent poll conducted by Harvard CAPS-Harris has revealed growing support among members of Generation Z for Hamas amid the Israeli genocide towards Palestinians in Gaza.

In a survey conducted earlier this month, respondents were questioned about the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The poll aimed to determine whom respondents support more in the war, and it found that individuals within Gen Z, aged between 18 and 24, are increasingly showing support for Hamas. The poll results also indicated that 43 percent of respondents in this age category voiced support for Hamas, compared to 57 percent who backed "Israel".

In March, a similar survey conducted by Harvard CAPS-Harris revealed that 37 percent of respondents from Generation Z expressed support for Hamas, while 63 percent backed "Israel".

It's noteworthy that these polls indicate a six percent increase in support for Hamas within just one month and a six percent decrease in support for "Israel". This suggests a significant shift in sentiment toward the Palestinian Resistance faction among respondents, highlighting a growing endorsement of Hamas amid the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The big picture

In recent weeks, college campuses nationwide have witnessed an uptick in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, urging institutions to sever financial connections with "Israel", notably at Columbia University, where demonstrators occupied Tuesday a building on campus, blocked entrances, and displayed a Palestinian flag outside a window of the Hamilton Hall.

In a nod to the 1968 anti-war protests, #ColumbiaUniversity students took over #HamiltonHall, renaming it Hind's Hall.

It was renamed after Hind Rajab, the 6-year-old #Palestinian girl who was brutally killed by Israeli tanks a couple of months ago.

The Hall was taken over by… pic.twitter.com/6OKUZeYiOa
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 30, 2024

In the same context, an autonomous group has reclaimed Hamilton Hall and renamed it "Hind's Hall", in tribute to Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian child who was killed at the hands of the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, according to CU Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a coalition of pro-Palestinian student organizations.

"Protestors have voiced their intention to remain at Hind’s Hall until Columbia concedes to CUAD’s three demands: divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty," the group underlined.

Meanwhile, several media outlets suggested that over 1,000 individuals have been arrested on campuses, highlighting that protests have extended beyond the United States to Canada and Europe.