The aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel has touched lives across the Middle East.

Deadly violence claimed thousands of lives in Gaza, forced millions from their homes, and caused destruction on a large scale.

It is only natural that the crisis changed the perspective of millions of people.

A recent survey by Arab Barometer indicates a sharp drop in trust toward both the United States and Israel in the wake of the violence.

Surveys carried out from August to November 2025 in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Tunisia indicate that Arab publics now view China, Iran, and Russia more favourably than the US or many European countries.

Respondents increasingly perceive Washington and its allies as one-sided, morally compromised, and selectively committed to international law, while the so-called axis of autocracies is seen as more principled in defending regional interests and the Palestinian cause, according to a report in Foreign Affairs magazine.

The rise in favourability for China, Russia, and Iran does not equate to full support for all their policies.

Many still view Iran’s regional influence and nuclear programme as threatening.

Rather, the shift reflects a collapse in confidence toward the US and, to some extent, Europe.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, in which Israel has renewed attacks on Lebanon and Gulf countries have been hit by missiles and drones, is unlikely to improve US perceptions.

President Donald Trump’s policies are largely seen as more damaging than those of Joe Biden, with majorities in most surveyed countries rating his approach to the Arab world worse than Biden’s.

The European Union is viewed somewhat more positively than the United States, with approval ratings ranging from 70% in Syria and Morocco to 34% in the Palestinian territories, Iraq, and Egypt.

However, perceptions of individual European countries vary widely and are closely tied to their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Spain and Ireland tend to receive more favourable views due to their support for Palestinians, while Germany is less popular, largely because of its longstanding backing of Israel.

China, meanwhile, enjoys growing favourability, with approval ratings ranging from 37 per cent in Syria to 69 per cent in Tunisia.

Russia and Iran also outperform the US in several countries, with Iran’s approval rising significantly over the past five years, especially in Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

Public perception toward key leaders is also shifting.

The support for leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has risen, mainly because many see them as standing up to Israel and backing the Palestinian cause.

However, suspicions revolving around Iran and its intentions still exist.

Its nuclear ambitions and growing influence in the region still worry many.

But for some, its opposition to Israel has improved how it is viewed.

At the same time, the United States faces growing criticism.

Many people in the region believe Washington is firmly aligned with Israel rather than acting as a neutral player.

The European Union is seen as somewhat less biased, but still not fully balanced.

Israel itself is the least popular country across the region, with virtually no favourable views outside Morocco.

Attitudes toward normalisation with Israel remain cautious.

Across surveyed countries, support for formal ties rarely exceeds a quarter of respondents unless Israel recognises a Palestinian state, in which case support rises significantly.

Many people in the region still consider the two-state solution as the best path to peace.

But growing Israeli settlements are creating doubt whether that vision can ever truly become a reality.

The situation has caused frustration among many who consider the US and its European allies not doing enough to hold Israel accountable.

Resultantly, more people in the Arab world are beginning to question the credibility of Western policies on international law, human rights, and regional security.

In many countries, people increasingly feel that China is more committed than the United States or Europe to protecting freedoms, maintaining security, and standing by the Palestinians.

According to the survey, the acceptance of China, Russia and Iran has grown as many Arab governments rethink their partnerships in diplomacy, trade, and defence.

For the US and its allies, restoring credibility will require consistent adherence to international law, human rights, and equitable treatment of all parties, particularly in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.