A new poll conducted by the American Political Studies Center at Harvard University and Harris, released on Friday, reveals that a majority of American post-millennials are in favor of ending Israel and handing it over to the Palestinians, and that negotiations with the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) are possible for peace.
The survey showed that between 66-70% of respondents condemn Hamas's attacks on Israel, but 60% also see the attack as justifiable due to the grievances suffered by Palestinians, and that Israel is the one committing genocide in Gaza.
Newsweek reported that since the outbreak of war on October 7, young people have been at the forefront of the "Free Palestine" movement that has reignited across the country.
Generation Z (post-millennials) rallied on university campuses and social media, sparking heated debate at some of the country's higher education institutions and suggesting that this generation is less sympathetic to Israel than the previous one.
The American magazine pointed to the polarizing aspect of the movement, especially the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free".
Some argued that this represents a call for the elimination of Israel, while others defended it as a peaceful call for the liberation of Palestine and the achievement of justice.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and solidarity with students advocating for the cause who were banned from entering the Columbia University campus (Getty)
The magazine added that the majority of American youth is the only age group that does not want a two-state solution, which is strongly supported by older Americans.
More than half of survey participants aged 18 to 24 want to end Israel and hand it over to Hamas and the Palestinians, while 32% prefer a two-state solution.
However, the survey also showed that while 81% of Americans of all ages say they support Israel in the conflict and 19% support Hamas, those aged 18 to 24 are equally divided on whom they support.
It also showed strong anti-Hamas and pro-Israel sentiments among Generation Z, indicating that the conflict is more complex than simply siding with Israel or the Palestinians.
The survey revealed that 58% said Hamas should be removed from the administration of Gaza, and 45% of respondents said Israel should be the one to manage Gaza if Hamas is removed.
