Palestinians vote in local elections including Gaza's Deir al-Balah for first time in two decadesfirst time in two decades
Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza's Deir al-Balah voted on April 25, 2026, in municipal elections, the first to include Gaza in 20 years. About 70,000 Gazans participated amid war devastation, with voting in tents due to infrastructure damage and electricity shortages. The Palestinian Authority organized the vote to assert authority over Gaza, ousted by Hamas in 2007.
The elections test public mood and Hamas popularity, as one candidate list is seen as aligned with the group despite its lack of formal nominees. Some factions boycotted over PA requirements to recognize Israel and PLO agreements. Results are expected late Saturday or Sunday, potentially signaling shifts in Palestinian governance.
Palestinian Authority Perspective
The vote in Deir al-Balah reinforces PA authority over Gaza and advances democratization. It requires candidates to accept PLO programs and international resolutions. PA views this as a step toward broader local elections across Gaza.
Hamas-Aligned Perspective
Hamas respects results and secures polling stations without formally nominating candidates. One list in Deir al-Balah is widely seen as aligned with Hamas by residents and analysts. The elections occur amid Hamas control of much of Gaza since 2007.
Israeli Government Perspective
Israel resists Palestinian statehood and insists future arrangements exclude Hamas empowerment. Any political setup must not reward terrorism. Elections gauge sentiment during Israel's opposition to Palestinian state efforts.
- Deir al-Balah was chosen for voting partly because its population remained largely in place, unlike most Gaza cities depopulated by war displacement.
- Hamas appointed all Gaza municipal officials since taking control in 2007, preventing any local elections for nearly two decades.
- The new elections law, issued November 2025, introduced proportional representation with open lists for municipal councils.
Israel-Hamas War
Israel and Hamas are in the second phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, with the last living hostages already returned and Israel still holding a large security presence inside Gaza.[5][7][8] The main dispute now is over Hamas disarmament, the scope and pace of Israeli withdrawal, and who will govern Gaza after the fighting.
7 October
Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,300 people and taking hundreds of hostages2008-2009
Israel launches major military operation in Gaza; conflict kills hundreds and displaces thousands
