Majority of British Public Desires Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict, According to Survey
In a recent survey by pollster YouGov, an overwhelming 69% of the British public voiced their desire for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, demanding an end to Israel's military campaign. The figures represent a remarkable 10% increase in those seeking an end to the conflict since November 2023, a month post the war's onset, while support for the war has dwindled from 20% to a mere 13%.
British residents displayed a remarkable inclination towards sympathizing with the Palestinians over the Israelis. On May 8th, the day the survey was conducted, 29% of respondents expressed more sympathy for the Palestinians, compared to 16% for the Israelis. Interestingly, immediate aftermath of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7th, only 15% sympathized more with the Palestinians, while 21% sympathized more with the Israelis.
The survey also revealed that a decisive majority (56%) of individuals in the UK favor a ban on weapons sales to Israel, with 55% either strongly or somewhat supporting such a ban. Just 20% oppose this stance, accentuating the significant divide between public opinion and the actions of the UK's ruling parties.
Alarmingly, since the war's onset on October 7th, Israel has reportedly killed over 35,000 Palestinians, with around 133 Israelis and other nationals still held captive in Gaza. Conversely, the number of Palestinians presumed dead due to collapsed buildings exceeds 10,000, according to the Palestinian civil defence.
It's clear that the current British public sentiment strongly favors an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supports a complete arms embargo on Israel. The evident opposition to Israel’s military actions, with many viewing them as disproportionate or genocidal, and the demand for humanitarian support for Gaza's civilians underscore this sentiment.
The British public's sentiment evidently lean towards an immediate cessation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, as shown by a 69% desire for a ceasefire. This inclination is also displayed in their sympathies, with 29% expressing more empathy for the Palestinians compared to 16% for the Israelis. This survey also indicates a strong majority (56%) in favor of banning weapons sales to Israel. The recent war has seen alarming casualties, with Israel reportedly killing over 35,000 Palestinians and around 133 Israelis and other nationals still held captive in Gaza. The ongoing media coverage and political analysis on war-and-conflicts underscore these unsettling figures and public sentiments.
