Poll: More Americans Say Israel Has ‘Gone Too Far’ in Gaza Conflict/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP-NORC poll reveals that half of U.S. adults believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza have gone too far, a significant rise from late 2023. While bipartisan concern over Israel’s conduct grows, fewer Americans now view ceasefire negotiations as a top priority. The poll also shows waning support for U.S. military aid to Israel and increased interest in Palestinian statehood, especially among Democrats.
Public Opinion on Israel’s Gaza Offensive – Quick Looks
- 50% of Americans say Israel has gone too far in Gaza, up from 40% in November 2023.
- Democratic concern rises sharply: 70% now say Israel’s actions are excessive, up from 58%.
- Support for U.S.-negotiated ceasefire drops to 50%, down from 59% in March.
- Humanitarian aid for Palestinians remains a consistent concern across political lines.
- Only 20% now back U.S. military aid to Israel, with the steepest drop among Democrats.
- Push for Palestinian statehood grows among Democrats—now nearly half support it.
- Public approval of Trump’s handling of the conflict falls to 37%, down from 44% in March.
AP Poll: More Americans Say Israel Has ‘Gone Too Far’ in Gaza Conflict
Deep Look
A growing number of Americans now believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza have exceeded acceptable limits, according to a newly released AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. Conducted from September 11–15, 2025, the survey found that 50% of U.S. adults feel Israel’s offensive has “gone too far,” marking a sharp increase from the 40% who shared that sentiment in November 2023.
The shift in public sentiment comes amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the conflict has led to massive displacement and a rising death toll. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 65,000 deaths, and nearly 90% of the population has been displaced. A U.N.-commissioned panel has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide—a claim Israel strongly denies.
The poll shows that the change in perception spans political lines. Among Democrats, concern about Israel’s actions has surged: 70% now say the response is excessive, compared to 58% in late 2023. Independent voters also show a marked increase in concern, rising from 40% to 50%. Even among Republicans—traditionally more supportive of Israel—those saying the military has gone too far has risen modestly, from 18% to 24%.
Despite rising concern over Israel’s tactics, fewer Americans now consider brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to be a high priority for the U.S. Roughly half of Americans say it is “extremely” or “very” important, a drop from 59% in March. This shift is driven largely by Republican voters, while Democrats remain mostly steady on the issue.
President Donald Trump’s administration, which previously led ceasefire negotiations, now faces skepticism from both sides regarding its ability to mediate a lasting peace. During his campaign, Trump vowed to end the Israel-Hamas war, but progress has been minimal, and approval of his handling of the conflict has dropped to 37%, down from 44% in March.
Many Americans still support humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The poll found that 45% believe it’s extremely or very important for the U.S. to provide aid—up slightly from 41% in March. This sentiment cuts across party lines. One respondent, Miguel Martinez, a Republican from Florida, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between Hamas militants and innocent civilians. “Not everyone there is the enemy,” he said. “Those people need help.”
Public opinion has also shifted regarding military support for Israel. Only 20% of Americans now think it’s highly important for the U.S. to send military aid—a dramatic decrease from the early days of the war. Among Democrats, support has dropped from 30% to 15%, signaling a broader skepticism about foreign military spending.
The issue of Palestinian statehood remains divisive but is gaining momentum among Democrats. While 30% of Americans overall believe establishing an independent Palestinian state should be a U.S. priority, nearly half of Democrats agree, up from 41% earlier this year. This contrasts with only 19% of independents and 14% of Republicans.
The United Nations General Assembly recently voted in favor of a two-state solution and called on Israel to support Palestinian statehood—an initiative opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of only 10 votes the U.S. cast against.
Netanyahu’s recent military moves have further complicated diplomacy. A controversial strike in Qatar aimed at Hamas officials reportedly killed six people but failed to hit its targets. The attack has jeopardized months of delicate ceasefire negotiations facilitated by Qatar.
Some Americans, like independent voter Lehks Wright from Georgia, question the wisdom of continued military aid while domestic programs face cuts. “If you’re going to say we’re in a deficit… then cut spending on other countries too,” Wright said.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens and global condemnation intensifies, the U.S. public appears increasingly divided not just along party lines, but within broader moral and strategic dimensions. What remains clear is that American attitudes toward the conflict are in flux—and Israel’s actions in Gaza are now under more domestic scrutiny than ever before.
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