According to the September 2024 Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, more than half (56%) of the U.S. electorate is still closely following the Israel-Hamas war. Just 16% said they are not following it at all, with 28% “not following very closely.”

Israel receives overwhelming support from Americans, with 79% favoring America’s ally over Hamas. However, there are generational differences in this area. Younger voters aged 18-24 support Israel over Hamas at a rate of 59%, while Israel has the support of 93% of those over the age of 65.

The partisan divide is less stark, with 75% of Democrats and 84% of Republicans supporting Israel over Hamas.

Regarding how Israel is conducting the war, 62% of all respondents believe Israel is attempting to reduce the amount of civilian casualties in Gaza. There is a wider partisan divide in this area. Democrats believe Israel is trying to reduce civilian casualties at a rate of 54%, with 74% of Republicans holding the same belief.

More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents believe a ceasefire in Gaza should only occur after all hostages have been released and Hamas is removed from power in the region. An unconditional, immediate ceasefire has the support of 31% of U.S. voters.

Over half (55%) of voters aged 18-24 believe in an unconditional, immediate ceasefire. In comparison, 84% of voters over the age of 65 believe a ceasefire should only occur after the release of the hostages and the removal of Hamas from power.

There is no clear belief among voters on what should happen in Gaza if Hamas is removed from power. When given choices, 32% believe the region should be administered by Israel, 26% by the Palestinian Authority, and 41% by some new entity set up by a coalition of Arab nations.

The Harvard CAPS-Harris survey is administered monthly and measures various areas of voter sentiment. September results, including the survey’s methodology, can be found here.