Most American Christians have been following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Ultimately, they say they want negotiations, Hamas to be subdued, and a result that benefits both Israel and Palestinians.
Almost 9 in 10 self-identified Christians in the U.S. have kept up with the current war between Hamas and Israel, according to a Lifeway Research study sponsored by The Philos Project. More than 2 in 5 say they have been following the events closely since the war began (44%).
Another 42% say they have heard several updates since the war began. Few (13%) say they knew the two sides were fighting but not much more. Only 1% say they weren’t aware of the war at all.
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“American Christians have been following the war between Israel and Hamas, and two-thirds of those who attend church most often say their church has prayed for peace in Israel,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While a majority of American Christians support military action by Israel now, a much larger group believe lasting peace must come by mutual agreement of Palestinians and Israelis.”
In general, U.S. Christians (52%) believe America does too much in trying to solve the world’s problems. Another 30% say the U.S. is doing the right amount, while 12% say the nation does not do enough. Fewer (6%) aren’t sure. Specifically with Israel, however, 50% of U.S. Christians believe America is doing the right amount to help. A quarter (26%) say the U.S. does too much in trying to help Israel. Around 1 in 6 (16%) say America doesn’t do enough, and 7% aren’t sure.
Complicated situation
American Christians tend to have nuanced perspectives on the circumstances surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas but clear views on the reality of Hamas, the rights of Israel and the need to protect innocent lives.
Three in 4 self-identified Christians in the U.S. (75%) say Hamas is “an extremist group that is isolated from most other Arabs who live in Israel and neighboring countries.” More than 4 in 5 (83%) agree Israel “must take bold measures to defend itself against Hamas’ decades-long campaign of terrorism against Israel.”
Most American Christians (88%) say Israelis have the right to determine their own statehood and government. Around 3 in 4 (76%) say the same about the Palestinians’ governance. A similar number (74%) agree Palestinians “have the right to defend themselves and the land their families have lived on for generations.”
Fewer (31%) believe “the Palestinian people in Gaza are responsible for the attacks carried out by Hamas.” Less than half of U.S. Christians (43%) say most of the Palestinian people in Gaza have supported Hamas’ fight, while 31% disagree and 26% aren’t sure.
“The Israel-Hamas war is the latest episode in a series of long-standing disputes in the region, and American Christians are aware these relationships have been complex,” said McConnell. “Most American Christians recognize the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to defend themselves while also wanting Hamas’ terrorism to be stopped.”
