Palestinian Local Elections Held in West Bank and Gaza's Deir al-Balah
Palestinians conducted local elections in the West Bank and Gaza's Deir al-Balah, marking the first vote in Gaza in two decades and a step toward potential national elections.
Palestinians participated in local elections on April 25, 2026, in the West Bank and, notably, in Gaza's Deir al-Balah, marking the first electoral process in the Gaza Strip in over 20 years. The Palestinian Authority (PA) described the Deir al-Balah vote as a symbolic pilot aimed at politically reconnecting the West Bank and Gaza.
In Deir al-Balah, approximately 70,000 residents were eligible to vote, with a turnout of 22.7%. The low participation was attributed to ongoing conflict, displacement, and outdated civil registry records. Hamas, which governs Gaza, did not field candidates but did not obstruct the voting process.
In the West Bank, voter turnout was higher at 56%, with over half a million people casting ballots. Many races were uncontested, and candidates were required to adhere to the Palestine Liberation Organization's program, which includes recognizing Israel and renouncing armed struggle. This effectively sidelined Hamas and similar factions.
Fatah, the faction leading the PA, claimed victory in the majority of local councils, including in Jenin, a city where the PA had previously faced challenges to its authority.
Rami Hamdallah, chair of the Central Election Commission and former prime minister, stated, "Simply holding the elections in Deir al-Balah is a significant achievement, and we hope to hold elections in other bodies across the Gaza Strip in the near future."
These elections were the first since reforms were enacted to allow voting for individuals rather than party slates, aiming to address low public trust in political parties. The PA has not held a presidential election in 21 years, and support for President Mahmoud Abbas has declined amid allegations of corruption and frustration over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa referred to the elections as "another step on the path to full independence." However, Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Some Palestinians expressed a desire for broader electoral processes. Bashar Masri, a prominent Palestinian-American businessman, commented on social media, "Municipal elections are an important step, but they are not enough... We want general elections."