Which one does the world support more, Palestine or Israel?

Which one does the world support more, Palestine or Israel?

 Global support for Palestine versus Israel varies widely depending on region, demographics, and context, making it difficult to pinpoint a definitive "world" stance. Recent data suggests a growing tilt toward Palestine, particularly since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. 

In the Global South and much of the Middle East, sentiment heavily favors Palestine, driven by historical grievances like the Nakba, perceptions of Israeli occupation, and high civilian casualties in Gaza. For instance, a 2024 poll by the Arab Center Washington DC found 89% of respondents across 16 Arab countries rejected recognizing Israel, up from 84% in 2022. UN General Assembly votes also reflect this trend: in September 2024, a resolution demanding Israel end its occupation within a year passed 124-14, with 43 abstentions, indicating broader international sympathy for Palestine.

In contrast, Western nations like the US, Canada, UK, and Germany tend to support Israel, rooted in geopolitical alliances and historical ties. In the US, a Gallup poll from February 2025 showed 46% of Americans sympathizing more with Israelis versus 33% with Palestinians—though this gap has narrowed from previous years (e.g., 54% vs. 31% in 2023), especially among younger people and Democrats. Europe shows a mixed picture: a 2024 PIPD poll across five countries (Italy, Belgium, France, Sweden, Germany) found strong support for sanctions against Israel (e.g., 65% in Italy favored banning arms trade), with younger generations (18-24) notably pro-Palestinian.

Globally, public opinion appears to lean more toward Palestine, amplified by social media and graphic coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. A Morning Consult survey from late 2023 noted Israel’s net favorability dropped in 42 of 43 countries polled after the war began. However, Israel retains robust backing from powerful states, giving it a strategic edge despite waning popular support. Without a single, comprehensive global poll, the "world’s" stance hinges on how one weighs vocal public sentiment (trending pro-Palestine) against the influence of state policies (often pro-Israel in the West).