UNITED NATIONS: A majority of US citizens now back a cease-fire in Israeli bomb-out Gaza, despite the Biden administration has strongly spoken against such a move, it was revealed in a new poll published on Thursday.
The poll’s respondents showed less support for Israel than at the start of the fighting, showing changing opinions amid the intensifying bombing of Gaza. About 32% of respondents said the US should support Israel, down from 41% in mid-October, days after the start of the conflict.
Many now believe that the US should instead be a “neutral mediator” in the war instead of taking a side. The rate has increased to 39% from 27% a month ago.
15% of respondents said the US 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 air attacks and a ground campaign in Gaza by the Israeli forces, which has drawn criticism of much of the global community.
Over 11,100 Palestinians — including more than 4,600 minors — have died in the war as of Friday, and humanitarian organizations, especially the United Nations (UN) have led efforts for a cease-fire in order to help Gazan civilians.
Much of the fighting in recent days has centered on the hospitals of Gaza City, where thousands have sheltered from Israeli airstrikes.
About 70% of Americans said the Israeli government should pursue a cease-fire, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.
Israel rejects cease-fire suggestion
Israel has come out strongly against a cease-fire suggestion, and it has refused to consider a long-term halt to the fighting. The Tel Aviv regime agreed to 4-hour daily “humanitarian pauses” in war last week but has refused efforts for longer peace periods.
The poll also found that more US nationals are willing to support the Ukrainian army with weapons against Russia than Israel. Just under a third of the citizens backed weapons for Israel, while just more than 40% said they support the same for Ukraine.
