Quarter of Americans support Hamas over 'Israel', Harvard Harris poll finds

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Palestine

Poll shows broad US support for ‘Israel’, with strong partisan backing across Republicans and Democrats.
Younger Americans show significantly higher sympathy toward Hamas compared with older age groups.

A new Harvard CAPS Harris poll has highlighted a clear generational split in American attitudes toward the Middle East conflict, with most US voters supporting ‘Israel’ while younger respondents show relatively higher sympathy toward Hamas.

The survey, conducted online between April 23 and April 26 among 2,745 registered US voters, found that 74 percent of respondents backed ‘Israel’ over Hamas. Support was highest among Republicans at 86 percent, followed by 66 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of independents.

Strong age divide emerges

The results show a widening gap between age groups. Support for ‘Israel’ reached 89 percent among respondents aged 65 and older, while younger participants were more divided in their views and more likely than older groups to express sympathy toward Hamas.

The findings point to a generational shift in how the conflict is perceived, particularly among voters under 35.

Favorability ratings across actors

The poll also measured public perception of key regional actors. ‘Israel’ recorded a net positive favorability rating, with 41 percent of respondents viewing it positively compared with 36 percent unfavorably.

By contrast, Hamas, Iran, and the Palestinian Authority received largely negative ratings. Only between 9 percent and 16 percent of respondents viewed those entities favorably, while clear majorities expressed unfavorable opinions.

Views on Hamas and regional conflict

A majority of respondents, 76 percent, identified Hamas and similar groups as terrorist organizations operating near ‘Israel’s’ borders. However, responses varied on motivation, with some respondents saying such groups are fighting for rights or territorial claims rather than solely aiming to destroy ‘Israel’.

Support for a long-term peace agreement involving Hezbollah was also high, with 81 percent in favor and 76 percent saying disarmament should be a condition of any deal.

Iran and broader regional concerns

The survey also found that 65 percent of Americans consider Iran a national security threat to the United States, while 74 percent said preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a US priority.

Opinions were more divided on military action, with just over half supporting or justifying strikes against Iran, while a plurality preferred ending the war.

Political context

The poll comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, alongside domestic debate in the United States over military engagement and its long-term consequences.

Researchers noted that the sample was weighted to reflect US demographics and carried a margin of error of 1.87 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.