On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants broke through Israel’s border, killed 1,200 people, and took 250 hostages back to Gaza. Israel immediately declared war and announced its objectives: destroy Hamas and bring home the hostages.
People around the world and across political persuasions condemned Hamas’ October 7th terror attack; support for Israel’s military response has been more divided and has shifted over time.
Map of Israel & Gaza
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica
Both Sides
The vast majority of Republicans have been staunchly pro-Israel, saying America’s longtime ally has a right to defend itself against Hamas, which is explicitly on a mission to destroy the state of Israel through jihad (Islamic Holy War). Republicans largely blame the high civilian death toll (~42,000 according to the Gaza Health Ministry*) on Hamas, citing the group’s strategy of operating out of civilian locations such as hospitals and refugee camps.
Democrats are more divided. From the onset, some progressives were critical of Israel, saying its mistreatment of Palestinians fueled the rise of Hamas. As the conflict has dragged on, Democrats have largely blamed Israel for the civilian deaths and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, causing an increasing number to condemn Israel and call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire. Moderate Democrats tend to support Israel’s continued effort to destroy Hamas while urging it to take greater precautions to protect Palestinian life.
*The Gaza Health Ministry, an agency in the Hamas-controlled government, is the only organization that provides a civilian casualty count. Its numbers are not independently verified, and critics say the Ministry has inflated both the total death toll and the percentage of casualties that are women and children.
Candidate Stances
Vice President Harris supports Israel’s war in Gaza but emphasizes the need to protect civilians. After meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in July 2024, she pledged “unwavering commitment” to Israel while also saying she would “not be silent” about Palestinian suffering. She and her husband (who is Jewish) have condemned “the brutal terrorist organization Hamas;” she also expressed empathy for pro-Palestine student protestors.
Former President Trump supports Israel’s war in Gaza but has said they need to quickly “finish what they started,” arguing Israel is “losing the PR war” by allowing the conflict to drag on. He says the attack never would have happened if he were president, citing the Middle East peace deal—the Abraham Accords—brokered while he was in office.
Eternal Perspectives
War and the evil it exposes are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing.
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Do not avenge yourselves… because it is written: ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,’ says the Lord… Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.”
Romans 12:18–21 (CSB)
This is part of our Election Collection articles series, created to help Christians grow in understanding and compassion on key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
Last Updated: October 6, 2024
