Poll: Majority of US Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide

A new poll published on Wednesday found a majority of US likely voters support a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza, while a majority of Democrats say they believe Israel is committing genocide in the besieged enclave.

According to the poll carried out by Data for Progress, a think tank and advocacy group, 56 percent of Democrats say they believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The poll was carried out between 26 and 29 April and shows the majority of all voters want a de-escalation of violence in Gaza.

Narrow pluralities of voters also said they disapprove of recent congressional funding for Israel and of college campuses limiting students’ rights and freedoms to protest against Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.

Since Data for Progress’ last poll in November and February, there has been a marked increase in voters saying the US should call for a permanent ceasefire. 

A majority of voters also said the US should be involved “only a little” or "not at all" when asked to what extent the US should be militarily involved in the conflict on Israel’s side, if fighting between Iran and Israel escalates.

The poll results come as US President Joe Biden offered his starkest warning yet to Israel, vowing to cut off arms transfers if an offensive into Rafah goes ahead.

"If they [Israel] go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used…to deal with the cities…we’re not going to supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used," he told CNN on Wednesday.

The poll also asked voters about the US’s arming of Israel and found that 46 percent of respondents said they disapproved of Congress passing approximately $4 billion to replenish Israel’s missile system.

Over one third of voters said they believe military aid to Israel should be decreased, while 18 percent believe it should be increased.

The poll showed a split in opinion regarding the recent college campus protests around the US and the subsequent police crackdown on the students and activists.

Voters were almost evenly divided over whether they approve (40 percent) or disapprove (42 percent) of college students protesting their schools’ investments in corporations linked to the supply of arms to Israel.

Students across the US have been setting up encampments demanding an immediate ceasefire and for their universities to divest from Israel linked companies.

The protests come as Israel continues to bomb Gaza and kill and displace civilians. Over 34,900 Palestinians have been killed and more than 78,500 since the Gaza war broke out last October.

Gaza’s Civil Defence crews estimate that at least 10,000 people more remain trapped under the rubble.

Israel’s onslaught has devastated entire neighbourhoods in Gaza and destroyed the healthcare system. Schools, places of worship and shelters have also been destroyed as the Strip has been forced into a deep humanitarian crisis.