Poll Shows 60 Percent of U.S. Gen Z Sides with Hamas Over Israel

(MENAFN) A recent survey reveals a striking divide in U.S. public opinion on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 60% of Generation Z aged 18 to 24 expressing support for the Palestinian resistance group Hamas rather than Israel.

The online poll, conducted by The Harris Poll and HarrisX from August 20-21, asked participants: "In the Israel-Hamas conflict, do you support more Israel or more Hamas?" Among younger Americans, Hamas received majority backing, while older age groups leaned heavily toward Israel. Support for Israel increased progressively with age: 25-34-year-olds at 65%, 35-44-year-olds at 70%, 45-54-year-olds at 74%, 55-64-year-olds at 84%, and those 65 and older at 89%.

The survey, which included 2,025 registered voters and has a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points, also uncovered a sharp split regarding allegations of genocide. Voters were evenly divided—50% to 50%—on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

In addition, 51% of respondents said criticism of Israel stems primarily from concerns about Palestinian human rights rather than antisemitism.

This poll, widely cited as a sign of a significant shift in American public sentiment, comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in nearly 63,400 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. The enclave is facing a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread famine amid what some describe as the second year of genocide.

International legal actions add to the gravity of the conflict: Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, Israel confronts a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its operations in Gaza.

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