Concerns about Gaza situation drive growing support for recognition

Support for the Australian government to formally recognise a Palestinian state has been nudged closer to majority levels amid heightened concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, according to a new poll released today by DemosAU.

The national poll of 1,079 Australians conducted on 31 July 2025 showed more Australians supported Palestinian statehood (45%) than opposed (23%), whilst 32% selected don’t know.

This compares to a May 2024 DemosAU poll which showed 35% believed the Australian Government should recognise a Palestinian state, with 22% disagreeing, and 43% selecting don’t know.

DemosAU Head of Research George Hasanakos said the poll came at a crucial time of public debate.

“The humanitarian plight of the Palestinians has motivated sympathy for the Palestinian cause amongst a growing cohort of Australians,” Mr Hasanakos said.

“In fact, an increase of 10 percentage points in people who support Palestinian statehood compared to a little over a year ago shows more Australians are increasingly tuned in to the suffering being experienced by Palestinians.

“Our poll also shows support for a Palestinian state exceeds opposition among both genders and all age cohorts.

DemosAU’s research also included a qualitative element, probing 1,079 Australians via Conversational AI-assisted surveying on the reasons for their views.

While Palestine’s historical land claims and right to self-determination was the most cited theme among supporters of statehood, many also mentioned humanitarian concerns; including famine, claims of genocide and Israel’s recent military actions.

Among those who opposed recognising Palestinian statehood, concerns about legitimising Hamas were the most prominent, while many also felt that it was none of Australia’s business, or that statehood shouldn’t be discussed until the war had ended. 

“Based on our quantitative and qualitative studies, it’s clear that negative perceptions about the way the war has been conducted are adding to support for Palestinian statehood.”

Read the report in full.

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