Digital Phablet

Tag: protesters

  • US Public Shows Growing Support for Palestinians: Survey

    US Public Shows Growing Support for Palestinians: Survey

    A recent national survey indicates that Americans’ perceptions of Israel have significantly declined in recent years, with notable shifts among Democrats and independents, according to Fox News. The NBC News-sponsored poll was conducted from February 27 to March 2 and coincides with ongoing debates within the Democratic Party over support for Israel, more than two years after the Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza erupted.

    Currently, only 32% of Americans view Israel positively, while 39% hold negative opinions—a stark contrast to three years ago when 47% saw Israel favorably and 34% negatively. The decline is especially pronounced among Democrats and independents. In 2023, Democrats were split evenly with 34% viewing Israel positively and 35% negatively, but the latest results show only 13% positive and 57% negative opinions. Independents’ favorable views have dropped from 40% to 21%, with negative opinions rising from 22% to 48%.

    In comparison, Republican attitudes have remained relatively stable, with positive views decreasing slightly from 63% to 54%, and negative opinions increasing modestly from 12% to 18%. The survey also reveals that during a period when the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, Americans are now almost evenly divided over whether they sympathize more with Israelis or Palestinians. In 2013, there was a stronger tilt in favor of Israel, at 45% to 13%. Today, support for Palestine and Israel is nearly even, with 40% sympathizing more with Israel and 39% with Palestinians.

    This shift is particularly striking among Democrats, who in 2013 favored Israel by a 34% to 18% margin. The latest polling shows Democrats now predominantly sympathize with Palestinians—67% compared to just 17% for Israel. Independents have also shifted, moving from a 37% to 10% favoring Israel to a 37% to 27% leaning toward Palestinians. Meanwhile, Republicans maintain strong support, with 69% favoring Israel now, consistent with past levels.

    The study underscores a clear generational gap, with younger Americans showing a more considerable decline in positive views and sympathy for Israel than older generations. Although most Republicans remain largely supportive of Israel, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has intensified disagreements among Democrats. This division is becoming a key issue in the upcoming 2026 Democratic primaries.

    Over the past two and a half years, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 72,000 deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities.

  • Khamenei Condemns Trump for Iran Protest Casualties

    Khamenei Condemns Trump for Iran Protest Casualties

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, blaming him for the violence and casualties during recent protests in Iran. He stated, “We hold the American president responsible for the deaths, damages, and accusations he has directed at the Iranian people.” Khamenei characterized the unrest as “an American conspiracy,” asserting that the U.S. aims to dominate Iran economically, politically, and militarily, with the goal of reasserting control over the country.

    Khamenei emphasized the need to suppress the so-called “seditionists” who fomented unrest, warning that “we do not intend to lead the country into war, but we will not spare domestic criminals… or international criminals either.” He urged the Iranian people to “break the back of the seditionists,” echoing the language used during past efforts to quell dissent.

    According to human rights groups, over 3,000 people have lost their lives in Iran’s nationwide protests, which began on December 28 over economic struggles and quickly expanded into mass demonstrations demanding the end of clerical rule. The protests culminated in significant violence last week, but tensions have decreased in recent days, especially in Tehran, where residents report a comparatively calm atmosphere despite drone activity overhead.

    Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, where they discussed regional stability. Dar expressed optimism for peace, and both officials agreed to continue consultations on shared interests.

    President Donald Trump publicly commended Iran for canceling what he called “hundreds of planned executions” of protesters following the crackdown on demonstrations. He noted on social media that the mass hangings—initially scheduled to include over 800 individuals—had been called off, and he praised Tehran’s decision. Trump, who had previously threatened strong action over Iran’s handling of protests, expressed respect for Iran’s leadership’s decision to halt the hangings, stating, “Thank you!”

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