NATIONAL PULSE – Canadians’ sympathies shift on war in Gaza
(Image: Hosny Solar, Pixabay)
By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE
February 12, 2024 – As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza drags on, new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians’ sympathies shifting.
At the outset of the conflict, there was a 10-point gap between Canadians who said their sympathies were mostly with the Israelis (28%) and those whose sympathies were more with the Palestinians (18%). Now, the number of Canadians saying they sympathize with one side or the other has drawn near-even. One-third (33%) say their sympathies are “about equal” between both sides.
This comes amid a growing view among Canadians that the destruction wrought by Israel’s military response in Gaza after the Hamas terrorist attacks of Oct. 7 has been too severe. Half of Canadians (50%) believe Israel’s response has been “too heavy-handed”, a five-point increase from November.
There is also doubt among Canadians that Israel will be able to achieve its proclaimed goals of eradicating Hamas and freeing the hostages. Three-in-ten (29%) believe neither goal will be reached, more than the one-in-five (19%) who say both goals are achievable.
Concerns over the growing Palestinian death toll in the conflict has sparked allegations of genocide levied by South Africa in the United Nations’ highest court, the International Court of Justice. Canadians are divided on the premise of South Africa’s case but lean towards believing Israel is in fact committing genocide against Palestinians (41%) than not (32%).
These doubts and concerns fuel growing support among Canadians to a see a full ceasefire between the two sides. Half (49%) of Canadians now want a full and lasting cessation of the conflict, while one-in-six (17%) believe if a ceasefire is called it should only be temporary.
Approaching one-in-five (18%) believe no ceasefire should be called at this time. In November, Canadians leaned towards believing the ceasefire should be temporary (35%) rather than permanent (30%).
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government have faced criticism earlier in the conflict for being slow to call for a ceasefire after Canada abstained from an October UN vote on the subject before supporting a later resolution in December.
The government has also faced criticism after the December ceasefire vote from Liberal MPs, who argued the later resolution did not impose enough conditions on Hamas.
As Canada walks a fine line in the conflict, Canadians see the federal government performing more poorly than not on a number of measures, including representing Canada internationally, effectively communicating its position, standing up for international law, and ensuring the country is on the right side of history.
More Key Findings:
- Canadians lean towards believing the government has sided too much with Israel (26%) than the Palestinians (18%) while one-in-five (20%) believe Trudeau and the Liberal government have struck the right balance.
- A majority see Hamas as a major detriment to lasting peace in Israel. Two-thirds (66%) believe peace is impossible as long as the organization is operating in Gaza.
- A majority (61%) of Canadians see the two-state solution as key to the peace process.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
It’s been over 30 days since Nancy Bepple put forward a motion in reference to the Gaza Strip. Over 30 days since the “moral obligation to speak up”. Over 30 days since the need to “collectively call for urgent action”.
Over 30 days indicates Nancy Bepple doesn’t feel the same moral obligation or sense of urgency as she did previously. Has she too changed her stance?
But the war hasn’t changed. The conflict rages on. Oh, the wages of sin! What is Nancy Bepple waiting for? I am pleading with Nancy Bepple to step in urgently and resolve this conflict!
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Unfortunately the 2-state solution is likely a non-starter. Certainly as long as Netan-yahoo (deliberate mis-spelling!!) is in charge, there will be no 2-state solution. And even once he goes, there is so much mistrust on both sides that neither will be comfortable living next to the other. I believe Israel is intent on genocide, having destroyed or badly damaged all 12 universities, 280 government-run schools, 65 UNRWA-run schools, most mosques, hospitals, museums and cultural centres. As well, more than 100 Gazan journalists and 94 university professors have been deliberately targeted and killed, including world recognized physicists and IT specialists. More than 85% of Gazans have been driven from their homes. It seems Israel is intent on wiping out Palestinian history and indeed identity – as if they have never been there. For more info, listen to the Chris Hedges report where he interviews Dr. Ahmed Al Hussaini, former Vice President of Al Issra University in Gaza City before it was destroyed by Israeli bombs. Chris Hedges is a war correspondent who was assigned to Israel for a number of years – he’s seen the oppression of and violence against Palestinians first hand. More and more human rights groups are saying the only possible viable solution is one-state where Israelis and Palestinians have equal rights. Not sure if that is possible or even plausible.
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