Gaza Politics: Residents Await Election Results Amid Siege

Israelis go to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new government. In Gaza, residents are watching the campaign closely despite a ceasefire that has held since October 2025.

The war has defined this election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for security failures leading up to the October 7, 2023 attacks. His far-right allies have pushed for a harder stance, including proposals to expel Gaza's population.

Mohammed Eliyan, 36, lives in Deir el-Balah with his five children after being displaced from Jabalia camp. He supports Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu's main rival. Eliyan fears another Likud term would bring more displacement. He said, "They are still our enemy, and I don't expect things to improve dramatically."

Islam Salem, 41, believes the election outcome will likely worsen his children's future. He notes that Israel controls about 65 percent of Gaza inside the "Yellow Line." Salem doubts reconstruction will start soon, given that over 80 percent of buildings are damaged and two-thirds are completely destroyed. He stated, "We live day by day. Everything we feared has already happened."

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times. She hopes a change in leadership allows her to return to her home in Beit Lahiya. She said, "We have had enough of war and destruction. There is nothing left to destroy, yet the suffering continues."

Manar Owaida, 23, is currently in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. She views Eisenkot as less extreme than Netanyahu. Owaida believes a new government might ease the blockade and withdraw from areas beyond the Yellow Line. Her primary fear is that Netanyahu could launch a wider regional war to distract from domestic political pressure.

Mousa Ali, 33, focuses on the status of the Yellow Line and whether displaced people can return home. He hopes Arab parties gain enough power to influence the next government. Ali does not expect major shifts but believes a Netanyahu win would prolong Israeli control and displacement.

Residents describe near-daily airstrikes and shortages of basic goods under the current siege. They share a common demand for the next leader: end the war and stop the bloodshed. Ali said, "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed."