Palestinian Local Elections Held in West Bank and Gaza's Deir al-Balah

Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip's city of Deir al-Balah cast their votes on Saturday in local elections, the first of their kind since 2023. Approximately 1 million voters, including 70,000 from Gaza, were eligible to participate. Polls closed at 7 p.m., with initial results anticipated by late Saturday or early Sunday.

These elections are conducted under a new electoral law enacted on November 19, 2025, introducing two systems: proportional representation (open list) for municipal councils and a majority system (individual candidacy) for village councils.

In Gaza, the elections are limited to Deir al-Balah, marking the first vote in the enclave since Hamas expelled the Palestinian Authority in 2007. The Palestinian Authority views this as a symbolic step toward reestablishing its presence in Gaza.

Some Palestinian factions have boycotted the elections, objecting to the requirement that candidates support the Palestinian Authority's agreements, including the recognition of Israel.

Hamas has not officially nominated candidates but has stated it will respect the election results. Reports indicate that Hamas-affiliated police will secure polling stations in Gaza.

The elections are seen as a measure of public sentiment amid ongoing political divisions and the complex governance landscape in Palestinian territories.