Introduction

This report analyzes the results of The Economist/YouGov Poll conducted from February 9-11, 2025, which surveyed 1,595 U.S. adult citizens on their views regarding several critical issues concerning Gaza. The analysis examines responses across various demographic categories, including age, gender, racial identity, economic status, and political affiliation.

Survey Overview

The study focused on three key questions:

  1. Removal of Palestinians from Gaza
    • Question: “Would you support or oppose removing all Palestinians from Gaza?”
  2. Views on Genocide Classification
    • Question: “Do you agree or disagree that moving all Palestinians out of Gaza constitutes genocide?”
  3. U.S. Control of Gaza
    • Question: “Would you support or oppose the U.S. taking ownership of Gaza?”

Methodology

The survey responses are analyzed across several demographic dimensions:

  • Basic Demographics: Gender and age groups
  • Racial Identity: White, Black, and Hispanic respondents
  • Economic Factors: Income levels (Under $50K, $50K-$100K, Over $100K)
  • Political Factors:
    • Voting preference (Harris/Trump 2024)
    • Political ideology (Liberal/Moderate/Conservative)
    • Party affiliation and leaning

Findings

Overall Public Opinion

The analysis shows that the broad American public exhibits limited support for the proposed policies regarding Gaza. Key observations include:

  • Removal Policies:
    • Support: Only about 21% of respondents support removal measures, divided into 10% strong support and 11% moderate support.
    • Opposition: A notable 35% of respondents strongly oppose these measures.
    • Uncertainty: An equal 35% remain uncertain, indicating widespread ambivalence.
  • U.S. Territorial Control:
    • Support: Merely 19% favor U.S. ownership of Gaza (with 6% strong and 13% moderate support).
    • Opposition: In contrast, 44% express strong opposition to this idea.

Political Polarization

A stark political divide underscores the findings:

  • Among Trump Supporters and Conservative-Leaning Respondents:
    • Removal Policies: Support reaches 44% (with 24% strong and 20% moderate support), which is more than double the general public’s approval.
    • U.S. Territorial Control: 39% are in favor (comprising 15% strong and 24% moderate support).
    • Genocide Framing: This group strongly rejects labeling removal as genocide, with 42% strongly disagreeing and only 16% in agreement (split as 6% strong, 10% moderate).
  • Among Harris Voters:
    • Removal Policies: Nearly 70% strongly oppose removal, with just 5% showing any support (1% strong, 4% moderate).
    • Genocide Framing: Conversely, 62% agree that removal constitutes genocide (with 43% strong, 19% moderate support).

These contrasts highlight how political affiliation not only drives policy preferences but also shapes the moral and ethical frameworks through which these issues are viewed.

Demographic and Economic Factors

Distinct patterns emerge when opinions are segmented by demographic and economic factors:

  • Race, Gender, and Age:
    • White, Male, and Older Respondents (45+): These groups display the strongest support for both removal policies and U.S. territorial control, and they are more likely to reject the genocide framing.
    • Black Respondents: Only 13% support removal (with 4% strong, 9% moderate), while 40% view it as genocidal (with 27% strong, 13% moderate).
  • Economic Status:
    • Higher-Income Respondents (>$100K): Show higher support for removal policies at 26% (evenly split between strong and moderate support) and tend to express more decisive opinions.
    • Lower-Income Respondents (<$50K): Exhibit lower support at 18% and significantly more uncertainty, with 42% responding “Not sure” compared to 25% among higher-income individuals.

Analysis of Poll Results

1. Views on Removing Palestinians from Gaza

1.1 Basic Demographics

1.2 Racial Identity

1.3 Economic Factors

1.4 Political Factors

2. Views on U.S. Ownership of Gaza

2.1 Basic Demographics

2.2 Racial Identity

2.3 Economic Factors

2.4 Political Factors

3. Views on Whether Removal Constitutes Genocide

3.1 Basic Demographics

3.2 Racial Identity

3.3 Economic Factors

3.4 Political Factors