Residents of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza turned out for local elections on Saturday, the first in the territory for more than two decades.
Limited to around 70,000 eligible voters in a population exceeding 2 million, the ballot highlighted the enclave’s divisions even as it offered a glimmer of normalcy. These polls come at a time when U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled.
The area around Deir al-Balah suffered less destruction than much of Gaza during 21 months of Israeli operations, which displaced 90 per cent of residents and levelled over 60 per cent of buildings according to UN figures. Organised by the Palestinian Authority (PA), the vote mirrored municipal contests in 92 West Bank locations, where frustration with ruling Fatah runs high.
Hamas, in control since ousting Fatah in 2006, stayed off the ballot due to PLO rules requiring recognition of Israel and a two-state solution. Its security forces nonetheless guarded sites. Turnout reached about 45 per cent, below West Bank levels, reflecting exhaustion from the conflict.
“Honestly, as a Palestinian and a son of the Gaza Strip, I feel proud that after this war, the democratic process is returning,” said 52-year-old voter Mamdouh al-Bhaisi. “I am overjoyed, and I pray that everyone will participate and contribute to the success of the great democratic celebration.”
Challenges included using tents in place of bombed-out schools, with 80 per cent of Gaza’s education facilities ruined per UNESCO, alongside homemade ballot boxes. “We were determined to hold these elections and find the necessary alternatives to ensure the success of the electoral process,” said regional elections commission director Jamil al-Khalidi.
Outcomes could gauge Hamas support post-war, with early tallies favouring PA allies. “Holding municipal elections in Deir al-Balah is a positive and important step,” said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem, urging nationwide expansion.
Central Elections Commission head Ashraf Shuaibi called it heartening. “It was heartwarming to see Gaza locally built ballot boxes and locally printed ballot papers provide first time elections in 21 years and a devastating war.”
The PA aims to demonstrate unified control, vital for ceasefire terms including its reform. Carter Center director Sarah Johnson welcomed Gaza’s participation as key to self-determination. Yet West Bank polls faced Fatah-only lists, drawing scorn as a hollow exercise. East Jerusalem votes remain banned by Israel.
As Trump envoy Aryeh Lightstone’s Cairo meeting yielded no progress on disarmament or withdrawals, these polls underscore Palestinian governance struggles.