AUSTRALIANS are split on whether the war in the Middle East has made the country a less safe place, although a narrow majority says that it has.

A Resolve poll published in Nine newspapers on Tuesday found 36 per cent believe Australia is less safe, 32 per cent disagreed and 32 per cent were unsure.

The results come after a series of rallies and clashes in major capital cities since the Islamist militant group Hamas attacked Israel’s southern region on October 7, killing more than 1200 people and taking more than 200 hostages.

In response, Israel declared war on Hamas, which runs the Gaza strip and is considered a terrorist group by the Australian government.

Palestinian officials say more than 11,000 Gaza residents have been killed in air and artillery strikes.

In Australia, there have been pro-Palestine rallies – some of which have been criticised for the use of anti-Semitic rhetoric and intimidation – and pro-Israel rallies by members of the Jewish community calling for those kidnapped to be released.

The Resolve poll of 1602 eligible voters between November 1-5 also asked voters if Australia should keep out of the conflict or intervene by calling for ceasefires.

Some 69 per cent of voters believe Australia should keep out of the conflict compared to 14 per cent who said Australia should try to intervene, with 17 per cent unsure.

However, the poll also found there was more backing for Israel when voters were asked if Australia should declare in-principle support for either side, at 31 per cent to seven per cent for Palestine.