London, UK, 2025-09-20
A new poll released by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals a significant shift in American public opinion on the conflict in Gaza. The survey indicates that approximately half of all Americans now believe that Israel’s military response has “gone too far,” a notable increase from the 40% who held that view in November 2023. This change in sentiment is particularly pronounced among Democrats and Independents, while Republican views have also shown a slight shift. The poll’s findings reflect a growing concern among the American public regarding the humanitarian crisis and mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.
A Bipartisan Shift, With a Strong Partisan Divide
The poll shows a bipartisan uptick in the belief that Israel’s military action has been excessive, although a significant partisan gap remains.
* Democrats: The most dramatic change is seen among Democrats, with 70% now saying Israel’s response has gone too far, up from 58% in November 2023.
* Independents: Roughly half of Independents now share this view, compared with about 40% in the earlier measure.
* Republicans: While Republicans remain the most supportive of Israel’s actions, even their views have shifted slightly, with 24% now saying Israel has gone too far, up from 18% in November 2023.
This data, along with other recent polls, shows a consistent trend of declining approval for Israel’s military actions. A Gallup poll from July 2025 found that only 32% of Americans approve of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the lowest approval rating since the conflict began.
Humanitarian Concerns and Diplomatic Implications
The poll results highlight that for many Americans, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is a key factor in their evolving views. Nearly half of all U.S. adults now say it is “extremely” or “very” important for the United States to provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza.
* Calls for Humanitarian Aid: The emphasis on humanitarian aid is consistent across the political spectrum, with many Americans, regardless of party affiliation, believing that innocent civilians in Gaza need more help. This sentiment has grown alongside reports of widespread starvation and the collapse of medical infrastructure.
* Declining Support for Military Aid: The survey also found slightly less support for U.S. military aid to Israel, with only about 2 in 10 Americans now saying it is “extremely” or “very” important to provide military aid to Israel to fight Hamas, a decrease from 36% at the war’s start. This decline is most significant among Democrats.
The poll’s findings have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and the upcoming presidential election. The growing public skepticism about Israel’s actions puts pressure on the U.S. government to reconsider its approach to the conflict, especially in light of the deepening humanitarian crisis. As the war drags on and the civilian death toll rises, the American public’s stance continues to shift, presenting a new challenge for leaders in both Washington and Jerusalem.
