Key facts
- 50% of the British public believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, according to a YouGov poll.
- 17% of Britons believe Israel is not committing genocide, while a third are unsure.
- 64% of respondents aged 18-24 believe Israel's actions are genocidal.
- 55% of Britons do not want the UK to be allied with Israel.
- Close to 50% of Britons support a ban on trade with Israeli settlements.
A new YouGov poll commissioned by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu) reveals that 50% of the British public believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This figure contrasts with the positions of political leaders like Prime Minister Keir Starmer and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, who have not labeled the situation as genocide. The poll indicates that younger demographics and Labour voters are more likely to hold this view, with 64% of 18-24 year olds and 67% of Labour voters agreeing.
The article attributes the public's stance to overwhelming evidence, despite what it describes as mainstream media's refusal to seriously cover the allegations and the International Court of Justice proceedings. It also notes efforts by Israel and its allies to counter these claims.
Furthermore, the poll found significant public support for sanctions against Israel, with nearly 50% of Britons favoring a ban on trade with Israeli settlements. A majority of respondents (55%) also do not wish for the UK to remain allied with Israel. The author draws comparisons with Spain and Germany, where public opinion is even more strongly against Israel's actions.
The piece suggests that this public sentiment could pressure a future UK government, potentially led by Andy Burnham, to take stronger action, such as imposing a ban on trade with settlements and ending military and security cooperation with Israel, to hold those responsible accountable.