NYT Poll: More Americans sympathise with Palestinians than Israelis for the first time

For the first time in U.S. history, more Americans sympathise with Palestinians than Israelis in the ongoing war on Gaza, according to a new national poll by The New York Times and Siena College.

The survey, conducted between September 22–27, found that 42% of registered voters sympathise with Palestinians, compared to 37% who side with Israelis — a historic reversal in a country long seen as Israel’s staunchest ally. The poll sampled 1,313 voters nationwide, with a margin of error of ±3.2%.

For decades, U.S. public opinion has leaned firmly toward Israel, often by double-digit margins. But the second year of the Gaza war — marked by widespread civilian casualties and international accusations of war crimes — appears to have dramatically altered perceptions.

The poll shows that sympathy for Palestinians has surged across key demographics, especially among Democrats, younger voters, and ethnic minorities. Two-thirds (66%) of Democrats say they sympathise with Palestinians, compared to just 15% with Israelis. Independents also lean pro-Palestinian (44% vs 30%), while Republicans remain overwhelmingly supportive of Israel (78% vs 14%).

Generational divides are equally stark. Voters under 30 favour Palestinians by a 55% to 20% margin, while those over 65 remain more supportive of Israel (50% vs 30%).

Among racial groups, Black (50%) and Hispanic (48%) respondents show greater sympathy for Palestinians than White voters (35%), reflecting a broader demographic shift in attitudes toward U.S. foreign policy and human rights.

Majority oppose further US aid to Israel

The findings also reveal growing resistance to Washington’s unconditional military and financial support for Israel. A majority of voters (51%) oppose additional U.S. aid, compared to 39% who support it.

Opposition is strongest among Democrats (72%) and independents (54%), while most Republicans (78%) remain in favour of continued funding. Younger voters are particularly critical — 68% of those under 30 reject further aid, compared to just 39% of those over 65.

Even among college-educated voters, 54% oppose aid compared to 49% of those without degrees. Regionally, resistance is highest in the western U.S. (55%), with similar levels in the Midwest (52%) and South (46%).

Calls for Israel to end its Gaza campaign

A clear majority — 60% of respondents — say Israel should end its military campaign in Gaza, even if Hamas has not been fully defeated or all hostages have not been released.

This sentiment is shared by 79% of Democrats and 74% of voters under 30, but even 35% of Republicans agree, showing rare cross-partisan consensus for de-escalation.

Concerns over Israel’s conduct have also intensified: 40% of voters believe Israel is intentionally targeting civilians — nearly double the figure from 2023. That view is most prevalent among younger voters (55%) and Democrats (66%).

Generational and political divide

The poll highlights a widening generational and partisan gap that could reshape U.S. foreign policy in the years ahead. Younger, more diverse voters are increasingly critical of Israel and U.S. involvement in the conflict, while older voters remain attached to the traditional pro-Israel stance.

Among 2024 presidential vote intenders, those backing Vice President Kamala Harris align closely with Democratic views (62% sympathise with Palestinians, 72% oppose aid), whereas Trump supporters remain firmly pro-Israel (70% sympathise with Israelis, 78% support aid).

Independents, often seen as a barometer of national sentiment, lean toward Palestinians and oppose aid — a signal that the political centre may be shifting.

Implications for US policy

Analysts say the poll could mark a turning point in how American policymakers approach the Israel-Palestine issue. The growing discomfort among Democrats and younger voters is likely to influence the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.

Social media has also played a major role, with platforms such as X amplifying footage from Gaza and challenging mainstream narratives. Viral posts citing the NYT/Siena findings — particularly the 55% sympathy among under-30s — have been hailed as evidence of a “generational awakening.” However, 16% of voters remain neutral and 5% unsure, highlighting the continued complexity of the issue and the entrenched influence of the pro-Israel lobby.

While the Biden administration continues to provide military and diplomatic backing to Israel, the poll suggests that public support for such policies is eroding rapidly.

A turning point in American public opinion

The September 2025 NYT/Siena poll represents a landmark shift in U.S. public sentiment toward the Israel-Palestine conflict.

With sympathy for Palestinians now surpassing that for Israelis, opposition to aid increasing, and calls for a ceasefire growing louder, the American public appears to be reassessing its country’s decades-long alignment.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and younger, more diverse voters gain political influence, Washington may soon face unprecedented domestic pressure to rethink its role in one of the world’s most enduring and divisive conflicts.

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