WASHINGTON
For the first time in decades of polling, American sympathies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have shifted in favor of the Palestinians, according to a new Gallup survey, marking a dramatic reversal of long-standing public opinion.
The poll, released Friday, found that 41% of Americans now say their sympathies lie more with the Palestinians, compared to 36% who side more with the Israelis.
The remaining respondents expressed neither viewpoint or had no opinion.
The shift represents a significant realignment from just three years ago, when 54% of Americans sympathized with the Israelis and 31% with the Palestinians.
Gallup data shows the trend accelerated sharply during the recent war in Gaza.
The findings suggest a fundamental change in how the U.S. public views the decades-long conflict, ending an era of overwhelming American support for Israel that had persisted since Gallup began asking the question in the 1980s.
Analysts point to changing demographics, increased media coverage of Gaza casualties, and a growing debate on U.S. foreign policy as potential factors driving the shift.
By James Kisoo
