For the first time in more than two decades of polling, Americans express greater sympathy for Palestinians than for Israelis in their conflict, according to a new Gallup survey. Forty one percent said they sympathize more with Palestinians, compared with thirty six percent who sided with Israel, marking a sharp reversal from last year when Israel held a clear lead.

The shift is driven largely by independents and Democrats, while Republicans continue to strongly favor Israel. Sixty five percent of Democrats now say they sympathize more with Palestinians, and younger adults aged eighteen to thirty four show particularly strong support for Palestinians. Middle aged Americans have also shifted, while support for Israel among those over fifty five has fallen to its lowest level in two decades.

The poll also found that fifty seven percent of adults in the United States support the creation of an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Support is highest among Democrats and independents, while only about one third of Republicans back the idea. In contrast, surveys of Israelis and Palestinians show far lower support for a two state solution within the region itself.