Poll: Majority of Danes support humanitarian aid to Gaza, a ban on Danish arms exports, and recognition of Palestine.
A new survey conducted by Analyze Danmark for the platform Puls48 From October 31 to November 5, 2024, the Danes support Denmark pressing Israel to ensure the entry and access of humanitarian aid to Gaza, supporting South Africa’s international lawsuit regarding possible Israeli genocide against Palestinians, banning Danish arms exports to Israel, officially recognizing Palestine as a state, and banning goods coming from illegal Israeli settlements.
The national survey was conducted in Denmark based on responses from 1002 participants, and the results were shared on the Puls48 platform website during the first week of November. The survey results, along with percentages and analytical images, are as follows.
Pressure is mounting on Israel to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
A large majority (69.5%) of those surveyed believe that Denmark should exert increased pressure on Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. The United Nations and numerous international organizations have warned of the catastrophic conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The UN describes the situation as “appalling” and estimates that the entire population is “at imminent risk of death from disease, hunger, and violence.”7
The poll shows widespread support for Danish efforts to pressure Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.
Supporting South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice
The poll showed that 44.81% of respondents support Denmark's backing of South Africa's case against Israel regarding the potential genocide of the Palestinian population in Gaza at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. South Africa filed the case in December 2023 and it has garnered support from several countries, including Spain, Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The case has also been endorsed by more than 1,000 civil society organizations worldwide, which have called on more countries to join.
Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long pointed to grave human rights violations in Gaza, documenting killings and violence against Palestinians, and attacks on hospitals, schools, and vital infrastructure. The Danish support for the trial reflects a strong desire for justice and international accountability.
Danish arms sales ban to Israel
The poll also shows that a majority of 54.3% Danes support a ban on Danish exports of weapons parts to Israel.
This stance clearly expresses growing concern about Israel’s war on Gaza and Denmark’s desire to assume a clear moral responsibility in line with its international obligations and UN rules regarding arms exports. Several international NGOs, such as Amnesty International, have already called for a global arms embargo against Israel. Countries like Spain and the United Kingdom have taken similar steps; since October 2023, Spain has suspended all arms trade with Israel, and the UK has opted to suspend 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns about violations of international law. According to the source, the Danes’ support for the embargo demonstrates a strong desire to improve Denmark’s moral standing in relation to Israel.
Recognition of Palestine as an independent state
The poll showed that 58.71% of respondents support Denmark recognizing Palestine as an independent state. Several other European countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, have already taken this step. Today, 147 countries officially recognize Palestine, while Denmark and Finland are the only two Scandinavian countries that have not yet taken this crucial step. The poll indicates that a majority of Danes now want official Danish recognition of Palestine.
Banning the entry of goods from illegal Israeli settlements
Finally, the survey reveals that a significant portion of Danes polled—specifically 54.71%—support a domestic ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements, which the United Nations has declared illegal under international law. The International Court of Justice, in a 2004 advisory opinion, ruled that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories violate international law and called on the international community to refrain from actions that could support the settlements. Numerous organizations, including Oxfam, have long advocated for boycotting settlement products. The Danes' support for a ban on settlement goods reflects a desire to clearly identify with Denmark and oppose violations of international law.
Source: Puls48 platform website
