A new national poll reveals that most Americans back Palestinian statehood, showing a clear gap between public opinion and President Donald Trump’s current foreign policy stance.
The six-day survey, which concluded on October 20, 2025, shows 59% of Americans want Washington to officially recognize Palestine. In contrast, 33% oppose the move, while the rest remain undecided.
Broad Bipartisan Support
The poll highlights cross-party agreement: 80% of Democrats and 41% of Republicans favor the idea. This broad consensus suggests that the push for recognition cuts across ideological lines.
As allies such as Britain, France, Canada, and Australia have already acknowledged Palestinian statehood, the American public appears ready to follow suit. The results signal a widening divide between U.S. voters and Trump’s policy direction, especially amid Israel’s continued opposition rooted in its 1948 founding and ongoing conflicts.
Americans Question Israel’s Gaza Offensive
The survey also gauged public sentiment on Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Around 60% believe Israel’s response has been excessive, while 32% disagree.
The ongoing conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s retaliation has since devastated Gaza, leaving more than 67,000 Palestinians dead, according to local health officials.
Although President Trump has shown unwavering support for Israel since returning to office in January 2025, his successful ceasefire negotiation has boosted optimism for peace.
Public Divided on Trump’s Role
About 51% of Americans say Trump deserves credit if the truce endures, including one in four Democrats. Meanwhile, 42% disagree, reflecting mixed views on his leadership.
Trump’s foreign policy approval rating rose to 38%, up from 33% earlier in October, marking his best performance since July 2025. However, unresolved issues—such as Hamas’s disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza’s governance, still threaten the ceasefire’s stability.
Global Recognition Shifts Pressure U.S. Policy
This poll comes amid a wave of international recognition for Palestinian statehood, a move strongly condemned by Israel. Western allies’ growing support adds diplomatic pressure on Washington to rethink its approach.
While Trump’s ceasefire diplomacy has earned him cautious praise, his reluctance to support Palestinian recognition stands in contrast to the evolving global stance and domestic sentiment.
Policy Implications for Washington
The findings pose a challenge for Trump’s Middle East strategy, which has largely favored Israel during the Gaza war. With 60% of Americans describing Israel’s campaign as “too harsh,” calls for a more balanced U.S. position are increasing.
Although 51% are willing to commend Trump’s peace efforts, the 59% backing for Palestinian statehood points to a growing desire for a two-state solution.
Key diplomatic hurdles remain, including Gaza’s reconstruction and Hamas’s political future. Nonetheless, the survey suggests the American public wants a sustainable resolution rooted in fairness and peace.
Public Opinion Snapshot
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Sample size: 4,385 U.S. respondents
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Margin of error: ±2%
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Support for Palestinian statehood: 59% overall
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Support among Democrats: 80%
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Support among Republicans: 41%
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View Israel’s Gaza actions as excessive: 60%
These numbers reveal a bipartisan appetite for peace and recognition, signaling a major shift in U.S. public perception toward Middle East policy.
Looking Ahead
The poll reinforces that many Americans favor Palestinian statehood and a more equitable U.S. role in the region. As peace talks and reconstruction efforts continue, Washington faces a critical choice: maintain its traditional alignment or embrace a new path reflecting public sentiment and international consensus.
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