US poll shows partisan divide on Israel as anniversary of Gaza war nears

By Nuri Aydin

WASHINGTON (AA) - As the one-year mark of Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip approaches, a new poll reveals a stark partisan differences in Americans' views of Israel and its role in the ongoing conflict, especially between the Republican Party of former President Donald Trump and the Democratic Party of President Joe Biden as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump in the Nov. 5 elections.

An Associated Press-NORC Center survey found that approximately half of Republicans view Israel as an ally aligned with US values and interests, while a comparable segment of Democrats see it as a partner that does not share these principles.

In terms of accountability for the persistence of the war, 50% of participants attributed blame to Palestinian group Hamas, with 25% indicating some degree of responsibility for the group, which carried out a cross-border raid on Israel last Oct. 7 that killed fewer than 1,200 people before Israel began its offensive on Gaza, with a death toll at over 41,000 and rising.

Simultaneously, 40% of Republicans and more than 50% of Democrats contend that the Israeli government holds considerable responsibility for the ongoing war.

On the accountability of the US government, overall 10% assert it holds “a lot” of responsibility, around 40% believe it bears “some” responsibility, while 45% feel the US has “not much” or no responsibility at all.

Internationally, many blame the US’ unwavering support for Israel for the nearly year-long war in Gaza.

The poll further underscored contrasting sympathies, with half of Republicans expressing a preference for Israelis over Palestinians, while half of Democrats reported feeling equally sympathetic towards both parties.

President Biden’s support for Israel has become an issue among many Democrats, with Vice President Harris, who is running to succeed him, feeling pressure from Democratic activists, especially young ones, to take a more pro-Palestinian stance.

Additionally, support in the US for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state has risen from 20% in August 2023 to 30% currently.

On the issue of US military assistance to Israel, overall public opinion remains divided, with 40% viewing it as excessive, 40% deeming it appropriate, and 10% categorizing it as insufficient.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its relentless offensive on the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Over 41,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 96,500 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

​​​​​​​Israel also faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor