• Source:JND
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A new survey has revealed a surprising generational divide in American public opinion on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Gen Z showing unprecedented support for Hamas over Israel. The poll highlights not only a partisan split but also an age-based shift that may reshape how the US public perceives the war in Gaza.

According to the survey conducted by The Harris Poll and HarrisX between August 20–21, 2025, 60 per cent of Americans aged 18–24 expressed support for Hamas over Israel. This finding is in stark contrast to older generations, the majority of whom overwhelmingly back Israel. For example, 65 per cent of people aged 25–34, 70 per cent of those aged 35–44, 74 per cent of 45–54-year-olds, 84 per cent of 55–64-year-olds, and 89 per cent of Americans aged 65 and older sided with Israel.

Across all age groups, the survey found that 74 per cent of respondents supported Israel, while only 26 per cent backed Hamas. The generational gap, however, is being described as a “shocking trend,” particularly as Gen Z becomes an increasingly influential voting bloc in US politics.

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Partisan And Public Opinion Divide

The poll also highlighted partisan differences, with 67 per cent of Democrats and 82 per cent of Republicans expressing support for Israel. Moreover, the results revealed that 58 per cent of Americans believe Israel should only agree to a hostage deal if Hamas leaves Gaza permanently.

Another key finding was that voters are evenly divided on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with 50 per cent agreeing and 50 per cent disagreeing. This reflects the deep polarisation of public opinion on the conflict.

Why Gen Z Differs

Analysts suggest that Gen Z’s stance is shaped by social media narratives, global human rights campaigns, and greater exposure to images of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the survey, 51 per cent of respondents believed that criticism of Israel is rooted more in concern for Palestinian human rights than in antisemitism.

The war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants abducted 251 Israelis and killed around 1,200 people, has since escalated into one of the deadliest conflicts in recent history. Israel’s offensive has reportedly killed nearly 63,400 Palestinians, sparking accusations of war crimes and genocide. The International Criminal Court has even issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

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With a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points, the survey underscores a growing divide in how different generations view the Israel-Palestine conflict. While older Americans remain firmly pro-Israel, the younger generation’s sympathy toward Hamas signals a fundamental shift in American public opinion, one that could influence future US foreign policy.