According to a recent Gallup poll released on Wednesday, a significant majority of Americans disapprove of Israel's military actions in Gaza, indicating a downward shift in their opinions on the ongoing conflict. The poll surveyed 1,016 U.S. adults this month, revealing that 55 percent of respondents disapprove of the war, while only 36 percent approve of it. A small portion, nine percent, expressed no opinion on the matter.

This poll reflects a growing discontent among Americans towards Israel's war in Gaza. In November, a Gallup poll showed that 50 percent of Americans approved of Israel's actions, while 45 percent disapproved. The current numbers signify a decrease in support, indicating a shift in public sentiment within the United States.

The Gaza conflict has been marked by a high number of casualties, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 32,490 Palestinian deaths. It should be noted that the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The war began in response to an October 7 attack by the Hamas militant group in Israel, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives.

The disapproval of the war extends to both Republicans and Democrats, although there is still division within both parties. The poll revealed that 64 percent of Republicans and 18 percent of Democrats approve of Israel's military actions. These numbers have declined since November, when 71 percent of Republicans and 36 percent of Democrats approved of the war.

Religious affiliations also play a role in differing opinions on the war. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center last month discovered that American Jews were more likely to find Israel's war conduct acceptable, with 62 percent expressing approval. In contrast, only 5 percent of American Muslims shared the same sentiment.

The Biden administration has recently voiced frustrations with Israel's conduct in Gaza. During a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties and inadequate humanitarian aid in the region.

The United States' abstention from a United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza has further strained relations between the two countries. This move allowed the resolution to pass, leaving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu infuriated. As a result, an Israeli delegation's planned visit to Washington was canceled.

Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise amidst the conflict. Israeli troops are aiming to take control of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing, but officials in Cairo warn that this action could undermine the 1979 peace treaty. Additionally, efforts are being made to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the United States has taken action in the region. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, carried out in retaliation for an attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members, targeted dozens of Iranian-linked militants, according to Iraqi officials. These strikes mark the first round of retaliatory measures undertaken by the Biden administration.

The Gallup poll results highlight a notable shift in American public sentiment towards the Israel-Gaza conflict. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to end the violence and bring stability to the region.