US public opinion shifts toward Palestine as anger over Gaza grows
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A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows most Americans now support recognizing Palestine and view the Israeli regime's assault on Gaza as excessive, reflecting growing opposition to US backing of the war amid famine and mass displacement.
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Demonstrators rally in support of Palestinians, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, DC (AP)
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a clear majority of Americans now support the recognition of Palestine as a state, signaling a widening rift between US public opinion and Washington's continued backing of "Israel's" war on Gaza.
The six-day survey, which ended Monday, found that 58% of Americans believe every UN member should recognize Palestine, while just 33% disagreed and 9% did not answer. The result comes as Canada, Britain, and France, all close US allies, announced plans to formally recognize Palestine, raising diplomatic pressure on "Israel" at a time when starvation grips Gaza.
The poll was conducted as mediators worked to secure a potential 60-day ceasefire, tied to the release of half the remaining Israeli captives. "Israel" is reportedly reviewing Hamas' response to the proposal.
Famine looms
International warnings about the humanitarian catastrophe continue to mount. Britain, Canada, Australia, and several European states declared last week that Gaza's crisis had reached "unimaginable levels," while aid agencies warned that famine was imminent. On Tuesday, the UN human rights office stated that "Israel" was blocking sufficient relief to prevent mass hunger. "Israel" rejected this, accusing Hamas of diverting aid, which Hamas denies.
Americans also expressed frustration with their own government's inaction. 65% said the US should help people in Gaza facing starvation, compared to 28% who opposed such steps. Among the latter were 41% of Republicans aligned with Donald Trump's “America First” approach, which seeks to slash international food and medical aid while prioritizing domestic spending.
When asked about the Israeli regime's conduct, 59% of respondents said its assault on Gaza had been excessive, a sharp increase from 53% in a similar poll in February 2024. Only 33% disagreed.
Read more: Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Gaza war a genocide in first for GOP
The poll reflects growing outrage at the devastating Israeli campaign, which Gaza health authorities say has killed over 62,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, displaced nearly the entire population, and left the blockaded strip on the verge of famine.
