Perception of Gaza Conflict and Palestinian Struggling, as viewed by Israelis
In the heart of the Middle East, the ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli government has sparked a wave of mixed emotions and debates among the Israeli public.
Israeli author Etgar Keret, a vocal critic of the government's actions, has been protesting for months, expressing concern over the unclear direction of the government's policies. He believes that many Israelis are shell-shocked and scared, unsure of what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is doing.
A series of polls conducted over the past year paint a complex picture of public sentiment. In March 2025, a poll by the US' Pew Research Center revealed that only 21% of Israelis think Israel and a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully, while 82% could imagine having Palestinians expelled from Gaza completely. However, in mid-July 2023, a poll showed that 74% of Israelis supported their government reaching an agreement with Hamas to free all hostages and end fighting in Gaza. By October 2023, this support had dwindled, with only 17% of Israelis thinking their government should negotiate to free the hostages, even if it meant ending the fighting.
Research indicates that while the majority of Israelis want to get the hostages back, they don't feel much sympathy for Palestinians nor do they like the idea of cooperating with them. This lack of empathy is reflected in the findings of another IDI survey from April 2025, which showed that over three-quarters of Israelis have seen many or a few "pictures or videos showing the widespread destruction in Gaza."
The Israeli government's stance remains resolute. They are expanding their military campaign in the occupied Gaza Strip, focusing on precision strikes and gradual expansion of control, as evidenced by the Gaza City occupation plan approved recently. The government insists on accepting only a deal where all hostages are released simultaneously and under strict conditions to end the war.
The military campaign and negotiations remain tightly linked. Indirect talks with Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, have resulted in limited truces and some hostage releases, but no comprehensive agreement has been reached yet.
The international community is divided, with growing criticism of Israel’s campaign in Gaza. However, Israeli political discourse continues to focus on security and counterterrorism goals rather than immediate ceasefire or concessions.
Amid this turmoil, Israeli society also faces domestic pressure for peaceful resolutions and hostages' safe return. Relatives of hostages, such as Gil Dickmann and Naama Shueka, have urged for an end to the fighting to save the lives of the hostages. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Israelis protested against the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
As the conflict continues, Israeli author Etgar Keret is pleased that more of his countrypeople are now joining in the criticism. The question remains whether this growing discontent will lead to a shift in the government's approach to the conflict.
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