OTTAWA - A recent poll indicates a significant shift in Canadian public opinion regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. More Canadians now express sympathy for Palestinians, driven by moral outrage over the war. The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey, revealing that 37% of respondents sympathize with Palestinians, while only 19% feel the same for Israelis. Additionally, 27% support both groups equally.

This marks a notable change from previous surveys. In May 2024, 28% of Canadians reported more sympathy for Palestinians, compared to 25% for Israelis. Following the Hamas attack on Israel in November 2023, only 18% leaned toward sympathizing with Palestinians, while 28% supported Israelis.

The latest poll also found that 62% of Canadians view Israel's military actions since March as excessive. Over half believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a perception that has risen from 41% in February 2024 to 52% now. Among those who support the Liberal Party, the NDP, or the Bloc Québécois, two-thirds believe genocide is occurring, while 51% of Conservative supporters disagree.

Furthermore, 64% of Canadians consider the situation in Gaza a moral outrage, with this sentiment particularly strong among those aged 55 and older, where it rises to 70%. Conversely, 18% of respondents think the humanitarian crisis is being exaggerated in media reports.

The poll also highlights concerns about aid distribution. Sixty-one percent of Canadians believe Israel is intentionally obstructing aid to civilians in Gaza, while 46% think Hamas is diverting food and aid meant for civilians. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people, and Israel's offensive reportedly resulting in 60,000 deaths, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Despite these views, 74% of Canadians support Israel's right to exist, and 63% believe peace cannot be achieved while Hamas operates in Gaza. Adam Chapnick, a professor at the Royal Military College, noted, "Canadians aren't that far from where they've traditionally been. What they're saying is that Hamas has to be dealt with. They're not particularly happy with the way the Israeli government has dealt with Hamas."

The future of Israel's reputation in Canada may hinge on the leadership that follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government relies on right-wing coalition members. Sixty-one percent of respondents support Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state, and 62% believe Canada should maintain this position despite pressure from the Trump administration.

Another poll conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies shows that confidence in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East has returned to historical levels. Only 38% of Canadians now believe peace is possible, while 62% disagree. This is a shift from January 2024, when 29% felt peace was achievable.

Younger Canadians, however, are more optimistic, with 53% of those aged 18 to 24 believing peace is possible. The polling industry notes that online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error due to their non-random sampling methods.