A new poll shows that nearly 57% of Danes believe Israel’s military actions in Gaza have gone too far, marking a significant shift in public sentiment over the past nine months. The growing criticism appears both in opinion polls and on major cultural platforms across Denmark.
Growing Danish Disapproval of Israel’s Actions
Public opinion in Denmark has shifted noticeably regarding Israel’s military operations in Gaza. According to a new survey by research firm Epinion, conducted on behalf of Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), 57% of respondents now believe that Israel’s response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks has been too extreme. This is a marked increase from 45% who held that view nine months ago. It’s a reminder that the public reflects on how conflicts evolve as they continue.
The Gaza conflict began following Hamas’s large-scale assault on Israel in October 2023, in which approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage. Since then, Israel has launched ongoing military operations in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports more than 57,000 Palestinian deaths, although international verification remains limited due to restricted access for journalists. The consequences for civilians are huge.
Fewer Danes Remain Neutral
The number of Danes choosing not to express an opinion on the issue has also dropped. Just 6% now prefer to keep their opinions to themselves, compared to 13% in the previous survey conducted after the outbreak of the conflict. Despite the shift toward criticism, the proportion of people who view the military response as “appropriate” or “not forceful enough” has remained about the same.
The statistical margin of error for the Epinion poll, which surveyed 1,005 people across the country, is ±3.1 percentage points.
Allegations of Genocide and International Ramifications
Five international legal experts told DR in recent interviews that based on the scale of destruction and civilian impact, Israel’s actions in Gaza may meet the criteria for genocide. These opinions coincide with ongoing legal proceedings in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where Israel faces formal accusations of committing genocide.
Israel has rejected the allegations, claiming its operations are a legitimate response to the threat posed by Hamas and carried out in accordance with international law. The ICJ case continues to receive global attention and may influence diplomatic relations between Israel and several Western countries, including those in the European Union.
Calls to Suspend EU-Israel Trade Agreement
Economic ties between Israel and European Union countries are also under scrutiny. The 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement aims to promote closer political and economic cooperation while tying trade benefits to human rights commitments. According to the Epinion survey, 49% of Danes now believe this agreement should be fully or partially suspended. In contrast, 22% are against suspension, and the rest are undecided.
The agreement provides economic advantages to Israel but also requires compliance with international human rights standards. With increased scrutiny on Israel’s human rights record during the Gaza war, pressure is mounting across the EU to consider reassessing economic partnerships.
Cultural Figures Amplify Gaza Criticism
Over the past several weeks, criticism of Israel’s Gaza campaign has moved from diplomatic halls and polling stations to cultural venues. At this year’s Roskilde Festival, prominent Danish singer MØ invited climate activist Greta Thunberg on stage. Thunberg’s speech condemned not only global climate policies but also targeted Israel’s military operations, referencing civilian casualties in Gaza.
Similarly, rapper Tessa performed at a European Union cultural event in Aarhus while carrying a Palestinian flag, criticizing Denmark’s financial and military dealings with Israel. Events like these illustrate how cultural figures are shaping political discourse, especially among younger Danes.
Political and Legal Pressures on Israeli Leadership
Parallel to these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a separate legal investigation for alleged corruption. The domestic legal battles, combined with international scrutiny over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, have put his administration under increasing pressure from both domestic and global actors.
The Bottom Line
Danish public opinion is clearly shifting in response to the continued violence in Gaza. The increase from 45% to 57% in those who see Israel’s actions as too aggressive reflects an evolving perspective influenced by both humanitarian concerns and broader international legal frameworks. With nearly half of Danes supporting a suspension of EU-Israel agreements, political leaders in Copenhagen and Brussels may soon be forced to reconsider their diplomatic and economic policies toward Israel.
