Elham Asaad Buaras
Nearly 45% of Britons now believe Israel’s treatment of Palestinians mirrors the persecution of Jews under the Nazis, marking a sharp rise from 33% recorded just a year ago. The findings come from a YouGov survey, conducted online earlier in September for the Campaign Against Antisemitism and released on September 7. The poll reveals stark generational and regional divides, with 60% of young people and 48% of Londoners holding this view. These results emerge against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine and widespread destruction of infrastructure have left the population—particularly children—in critical condition.
Among young people, 60% share this view, while in London, the figure stands at 48%. Young adults, in particular, show deeper scepticism toward Israel’s influence, highlighting heightened concern among the country’s younger demographic. Nearly half (49%) of 18-24-year-olds feel uncomfortable spending time with people who openly support Israel. Only 31% agree that Israel has a right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people, with one in five rejecting this claim entirely.
A striking 58% majority believe Israel and its supporters exert a negative influence on British democracy; a figure nearly doubles the 29% observed among the overall population. The survey also exposed a growing perception of disproportionate influence. Twenty-six per cent of the British public now believe Israel can act with impunity due to its supporters’ control of the media, a notable rise from 18% last year. Among young people, this perception jumps to 42%.
Views on Hamas among younger respondents were deeply polarised: 10% held a favourable opinion of the group, 14% questioned its classification as a terrorist organisation, and 19% considered its October 2023 attack on Israel justified. Opinions on pro-Palestine marches were similarly split.
These poll results emerge against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Over the past year, Israeli military operations have devastated densely populated areas, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. A full blockade, reinstated in March 2025, has severely restricted essential supplies, leading to widespread starvation. By August 2025, famine was officially confirmed in Gaza City, with a staggering 96% of Gaza’s one million children now malnourished.
Essential infrastructure has been systematically compromised. Attacks have left only 17 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals partially operational, aid distribution has been obstructed, and civilians have been deliberately endangered. The death of four-year-old Razan Abu Zahir from severe malnutrition in July 2025 illustrates the profound human cost.
Multiple international bodies, including Amnesty International in a December 2024 report, have accused Israel of actions meeting the criteria for genocide, citing intentional killings and the deliberate creation of conditions aimed at physical destruction. The toll on journalists has also been severe, with at least 192 killed—a number surpassing the entire Vietnam War.
Photo: Oxford Circus, London – Save Gaza protest on 25 June 2024. (Credit: Alisdare Hickson/Flickr CC)
