(OPINION) A majority of Americans now back a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, though the Biden administration has strongly spoken against such a move, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Wednesday.
Poll respondents showed less support for Israel than at the start of the conflict, showing changing opinions as the war reaches its sixth week. About 32 percent of respondents said the U.S. should support Israel, down from 41 percent in mid-October, days after the start of the war.
Many now believe that the U.S. should instead be a “neutral mediator” in the conflict instead of taking a side. The rate has increased to 39 percent from 27 percent a month ago.
Fifteen percent of respondents said the U.S. should back Palestinian interests in the war, which is largely unchanged.
The drop in support, most apparent among older respondents, comes after weeks of relentless airstrikes and a ground campaign in Gaza by the Israeli military, which has drawn criticism of much of the international community.
More than 11,100 Palestinians — including more than 4,600 children — have died in the conflict as of Friday, and humanitarian organizations, notably the United Nations, have led efforts for a cease-fire in order to assist Gazan civilians.
Much of the fighting in recent days has centered on the hospitals of Gaza City, where thousands have sheltered from Israeli airstrikes. Nearly 70 percent of Americans said the Israeli government should pursue a cease-fire, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.
Much of the fighting in recent days has centered on the hospitals of Gaza City, where thousands have sheltered from Israeli airstrikes. Nearly 70 percent of Americans said the Israeli government should pursue a cease-fire, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.
