Deir al-Balah, Palestinian territories. Palestinians voted in local elections on Saturday that included Gaza’s Deir al-Balah for the first time in two decades, in a vote seen as a gauge of political sentiment. The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority said the inclusion of Deir al-Balah would reinforce its claim to authority over Gaza.
Gaza participation and voter sentiment
The Palestinian Authority said it hoped the inclusion of the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah would strengthen its claim to govern the territory, from which it was ousted by Hamas in 2007. Some Gazans, facing difficulties meeting basic needs in the devastated enclave, welcomed the opportunity to vote.
“As a Palestinian and a son of the Gaza Strip, I feel proud that after this war the democratic process is returning,” said voter Mamdouh al-Bhaisi, 52, at the Deir al-Balah polling station.
Turnout and voting hours
Turnout was reported at 13.8% in Deir al-Balah by 1 p.m. (1000 GMT) and at 25.3% in the West Bank, according to official figures. Voting was set to continue in the West Bank until 7 p.m., while in Deir al-Balah it was due to end an hour earlier because of electricity constraints.
Abbas comments on future elections
Casting his ballot at a polling station in the Al-Bireh area near Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said elections would eventually be held across the Gaza Strip.
“Gaza is an inseparable part of the state of Palestine. Therefore, we have worked by all means to ensure that elections take place in Deir al-Balah to affirm the unity of the two parts of the country together,” he said.
Diplomatic context and governance proposals
Since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel took effect in October, intermittent talks led by the United States have made little progress toward a settlement that envisages international supervision of Gaza. European and Arab governments broadly support an eventual return of Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza, alongside the establishment of an independent Palestinian state comprising Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority exercises limited self-rule under Israeli occupation.
What do you think the low turnout figures indicate about political engagement in Gaza and the West Bank?
