New York Representative Ritchie Torres, traditionally a strong supporter of Israel, has recently voiced concerns over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, signaling a shift in the Democratic Party's long-standing position. This change comes as images of starving Palestinian children have sparked global outrage, with countries condemning the famine that has arisen from the ongoing military actions following Hamas' October 7 attack.

Torres, noted for his staunch Zionist views, expressed in an interview, “All parties, including the U.S. and Israel, have a moral obligation to do everything in our power to ease the hardship and hunger that’s taken hold in the Gaza Strip.” He maintains his defense of Israel but recognizes the crisis, stating, “It’s possible to be an unapologetic Zionist while at the same time recognizing there’s a crisis in Gaza and recognizing the war has poorly defined strategic objectives.”

The shift is not isolated to Torres alone. Across the United States, moderate Democrats have increasingly spoken out against Israel’s actions in Gaza, driven by constituent pressure as the midterm elections approach. This evolving sentiment is reflected in congressional actions, with a majority of Democratic senators recently voting for a resolution to bar the sale of assault rifles to Israeli police—a significant departure from past positions.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) articulated the growing discontent, saying, “what's happening now isn't working.” Furthermore, polling indicates a decline in support for Israel among Democratic voters, a trend that could have lasting implications for U.S.-Israel relations.

This Democratic shift parallels some changes on the right, with prominent MAGA figures expressing criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) suggested that Republican support might emerge as public opinion continues to turn against Netanyahu's policies.

Despite these shifts, some Democrats, like Sen. John Fetterman, remain unwavering in their support, attributing the crisis to Hamas and Iran rather than Israeli policy decisions. However, figures such as Ned Price, former State Department spokesperson, argue that Netanyahu's actions have significantly damaged Israel’s credibility with Democrats, making this shift in sentiment "irreversible."

Gallup's latest polling underscores this transformation, with approval of Israel’s military actions in Gaza dropping to 8 percent among Democrats, a stark contrast to the 71 percent approval among Republicans.

As the debate continues, the implications of changing attitudes toward Israel within the Democratic Party could redefine political alliances and strategies, particularly as the United States approaches another election cycle.