Middle East Peace Hopes Rise as Voter Confidence Grows

A Shift in Public Sentiment

For the first time in months, a growing number of Americans say they can see the possibility of peace in the Middle East. According to the latest Rasmussen Reports national survey, 42% of likely U.S. voters believe a peace deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is likely — a jump of more than ten points from just two weeks ago. Fourteen percent say a deal is very likely, while 49% remain doubtful.

The shift in optimism comes amid continued diplomatic efforts in the region and renewed attention to U.S. foreign policy. The rise suggests that Americans may be responding to recent headlines about ongoing talks and statements from global leaders expressing hope for an agreement.

Trump’s Handling of the Middle East Gets Higher Marks

The same survey found that more voters now give former President Donald Trump positive marks for his handling of issues related to Israel and the Middle East. Forty-four percent rated his performance as good or excellent, compared with 38% who said poor.

By contrast, only 31% of voters gave President Joe Biden positive marks for his Middle East policy in March 2024. Rasmussen’s data suggests Trump’s tough and visible approach to foreign policy may still resonate with much of the electorate, particularly among those who see peace prospects improving. Among voters who believe a Gaza deal is likely, 82% say Trump is doing a good or excellent job on the issue.

Partisan and Demographic Divides

Opinions remain sharply divided along party lines. Seventy-one percent of Republicans said Trump is handling Middle East issues well, while 61% of Democrats rated him poorly. Independents were split — 40% gave him good or excellent marks, while 39% said poor.

Optimism about peace also varies by party. Nearly two-thirds of Republicans believe a Gaza peace deal could happen soon, compared to just 29% of Democrats and 35% of independents.

Men tend to be more optimistic than women, with 48% of male voters expecting a peace deal soon, compared to 37% of women. Trump also fares better among men, who give him a higher approval rating for Middle East policy.

Changing Attitudes Across Groups

Hispanic voters appear to be the most hopeful demographic group, with half rating Trump’s handling of the Middle East positively and the largest share saying they expect peace in Gaza in the near future. Meanwhile, older voters — particularly those over 65 — remain more skeptical, with a majority giving Trump low marks for his handling of the issue.

Voters in their 40s showed the most optimism about a possible peace agreement, suggesting that middle-aged Americans may be the most open to seeing signs of progress in the long-running conflict.

The Broader Picture

While optimism is rising, Americans remain cautious. Nearly half still consider a peace deal unlikely, and partisan divides continue to color perceptions of foreign policy. Still, the data points to a notable change in public mood — a sign that after years of conflict and uncertainty, some Americans are beginning to believe peace in the Middle East may be achievable.