(NewsNation) — A vast majority of Americans support Israel over Hamas as the war rages on in Gaza, according to a new poll.
The Harvard CAPS-Harris poll. which surveyed nearly 2,000 respondents, found that 80% of registered voters support Israel more in the war, while 20% said they support Hamas more.
Support for Israel was the lowest among the youngest age groups. The poll found that 64% of those ages 25-34 and 57% of those 18-24 said they support Israel more, while 85% of those 45 to 54 and 93% of those 65 and older said they support Israel.
In one question, voters were asked “Do you think the crisis in Gaza is created mostly by Israel or mostly by Hamas?” Seventy-one percent responded “mostly Hamas,” including 51% of those aged 18-24.
A majority of voters, 61%, among all age groups showed overwhelming support for an “unconditional” cease-fire in the war. However, most respondents 35 and older only favor a cease-fire if Hamas is removed from power, compared to a majority of respondents aged 18-34 who still favor a cease-fire even if Hamas remains in power.
‘I support Israel as a country’
It’s a tough issue for most people to discuss. NewsNation spoke with several Florida residents who didn’t want to talk on camera, and those who did gave a mix of opinions.
“Hamas is different than Palestinian. So, I believe that the Hamas group … they’re bad. But, I believe the bombings that Israel does on Palestine — there’s a lot of innocent people dying from that, too. But overall, I feel like it’s more bad with Hamas than it is with Israel,” said Kyn Gibbs.
“I just support the end of the war and the end of the genocide,” said Yemi Adekoldelo. “I don’t support either Israel or Hamas.”
“I don’t support wars. I support Israel as a country,” said Roxana Kuisb.
Pro-Palestinian protests
The poll was conducted as several pro-Palestinian protests began on college campuses across America.
Students have set up encampments demonstrating dayslong protests at schools, including Columbia University, New York University and the University of California, Los Angeles campus.
Universities across the U.S. have been grappling with how to deal with encampments as commencement ceremonies approach, with some continuing negotiations and others turning to force and ultimatums that have resulted in clashes with police.
The number of arrests at campuses nationwide is approaching 1,000 as the final days of class wrap up.
