A new Harvard Harris poll reveals that 82 per cent of Americans support Israel in its war against Hamas, with 68 per cent saying they believe Israel is doing what it can to avoid civilian casualties.

Conducted online from 21-22 February, the latest Harvard Harris monthly poll shows steadfast support for Israel even among the youngest demographic of registered voters in the US. 72 per cent of 18–24-year-olds responded in favour of Israel over Hamas, up from 57 per cent in the January poll.

Sixty-seven per cent of Americans think a ceasefire should only happen after all the hostages are released and Hamas is removed from power as opposed to supporting an unconditional ceasefire that would leave everyone in place. However, 53 per cent of 18-24-year-olds expressed favour for an unconditional ceasefire.

Sixty eight per cent or respondents believe Israel is doing what it can to minimise casualties, and 63 per cent support Israel’s continued war efforts to root out the final elements of Hamas despite the displacement of 1.2 million civilians.

Consistent with last month’s poll, 78 per cent of respondents believe Hamas should be removed from power in Gaza but remain split on how Gaza should be administered: 34 per cent believe it should be administered by Israel, 28 per cent by the Palestinian Authority, and 39 per cent believe it should be administered by a new authority set up through negotiations with Arab nations.

Also consistent with last month’s polling, 67 per cent of respondents say they support the US actively striking Iran-backed terrorist groups, though over half of those surveyed say Biden’s response to such groups has been too weak.

Just over half of those surveyed said that Congress should pass $14 billion in aid for Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza to help Israel defeat Hamas, while voters were split on whether Congress should approve an aid package for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The Harvard Harris Poll is a monthly poll released by Harvard’s Centre for American Political Studies (CAPS) and Harris Insights and Analytics. It surveys over 2,000 registered voters on topics pertaining to current national issues such as confidence in political figures, perception of the economy, immigration and foreign policy.