Nearly half of Americans say Israel has 'gone too far' in the Gaza conflict, poll finds

Israeli troops press forward into Gaza City

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched an expanded offensive in Gaza City, as part of a continuation of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots." This comes as Israeli troops and tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday. The IDF says Air Force and artillery units have struck the city more than 150 times in the last few days. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall is getting the latest update on conflict in the Middle East from Dr. Alon Burstein with Tufts University, who is an expert on Israeli politics.

A growing share of Americans believe Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has crossed the line, even as fewer say negotiating a ceasefire should be a top U.S. priority, according to a new poll.

The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research highlights a shift in public opinion nearly a year into the conflict, which began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The findings come as Israel expands its ground offensive in Gaza and faces mounting global criticism, including a United Nations panel accusing it of committing genocide.

Why more Americans see Israel’s actions as excessive

About half of Americans now say Israel’s response in Gaza has "gone too far," the poll found. That marks a jump from 40% in November 2023, shortly after Hamas’ assault killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Democrats have shown the sharpest increase in concern, with about 7 in 10 saying Israel’s actions are excessive, compared with 58% in late 2023. Independents also grew more critical, with about half now sharing that view. Republican concern rose slightly, from 18% to 24%.

"The level of innocent women and children suffering," said Renee Hollier, of Lafayette, Louisiana, who described herself as a political independent and mother of a toddler. "There’s just no justification for this kind of suffering to continue."

The backstory:

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 65,000, and experts say famine conditions have developed in Gaza City. Nearly 90% of the population has been displaced as Israel continues its offensive.

Palestinians shove to receive a hot meal at a charity kitchen in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on July 22, 2025. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

A U.N. Human Rights Council team of independent experts announced this week that it concluded Israel is committing genocide. Israel’s government has rejected the accusation.

Fewer Americans back ceasefire talks

The other side:

Despite growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis, Americans are less likely than earlier this year to view a permanent ceasefire as a top U.S. priority.

About half of U.S. adults say ceasefire negotiations are "extremely" or "very" important, down from 59% in March. Republicans, in particular, have shifted away from supporting negotiations, while Democrats’ views have remained steady.

"Not everyone there is the enemy," said Miguel Martinez, 55, of Miami. "Those people need help." Martinez, a Republican, said he broadly supports President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict but believes humanitarian aid must remain a priority.

Support for a Palestinian state rises among Democrats

The poll also found a modest increase in support for negotiating the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. About 30% of Americans overall say it is highly important, but support is stronger among Democrats, with roughly half backing the idea.

"I side with Israel, and I think they’re in the right in this, but I think Netanyahu has just taken this too far," said Larry Kapenstein, 71, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. "There’s got to be a better way."

The United Nations General Assembly last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of a two-state solution, a move opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rejected by the United States in a rare vote against the measure.

Support for US aid to Israel declines

Military aid for Israel is also losing ground among Americans. About 20% say it is "extremely" or "very" important for the U.S. to provide such support, down from 36% when the war began. Among Democrats, support fell from 30% to 15%.

73 Palestinians killed waiting for aid in Gaza

At least 73 people were killed while attempting to access aid at locations across Gaza on Sunday, the health ministry in the Palestinian territory said. AP reports, the largest toll was in northern Gaza, where at least 67 Palestinians were killed while trying to reach aid entering northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing with Israel, according to the ministry and local hospitals.

"If you’re going to say we’re in a deficit and there’s government bloat, and I am not doubting that, then cut spending on other countries, too," said Lehks Wright, 50, of Albany, Georgia.

What's next:

Netanyahu has vowed the conflict will continue until Hamas is eliminated and all hostages are freed. But as international pressure builds and U.S. public opinion shifts, questions remain over how long the Trump administration can maintain its current stance.