Gaza Residents Await Israeli Election Amid Ongoing Strikes

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are watching Israeli election polls with concern ahead of Tuesday's vote. The territory has maintained a ceasefire since October 2025, but residents report that air strikes continue almost every day. Basic goods remain scarce due to a continuing siege.

The campaign has been defined by the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for his security handling before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Far-right members of his government have pushed for stricter measures, including the expulsion of Gazans.

Mohammed Eliyan, 36, was displaced from the Jabalia refugee camp. He now lives in Deir el-Balah with his five children. Eliyan hopes Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu's main rival, will win. He fears that another term for Likud and its allies will bring more war and displacement. "They are still our enemy, and I don't expect things to improve dramatically," Eliyan said.

Islam Salem, 41, believes the election result will worsen his children's future. He is a father of three daughters displaced from Beit Lahiya. Salem argues that the approach to Gaza will remain the same under any government. He pointed to Israel's control of about 65 percent of Gaza inside the "Yellow Line." More than 80 percent of buildings in Gaza are damaged, and two-thirds of those are completely destroyed. "We live day by day," Salem said.

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times during the war. She said fear drives her interest in the vote. If Netanyahu loses, she believes she has a better chance of returning to her home in Beit Lahiya. "We have had enough of war and destruction," she said. "There is nothing left to destroy, yet the suffering continues."

Manar Owaida, 23, lives in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. She originally comes from northern Gaza. Owaida hopes Eisenkot replaces Netanyahu, whom she considers more extreme. She argues that Israeli policy has been consistent for decades. Her biggest fear is that Netanyahu might start a wider regional war to relieve domestic political pressure around the vote.

Mousa Ali, 33, is a father of four displaced from Beit Lahiya. He said the election is critical because of the Yellow Line and whether displaced people can return to areas beyond it. Ali hopes Arab parties perform strongly enough to have a role in the next government. He does not expect major change if Netanyahu wins. "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed," Ali said.

Residents shared a common appeal for Israel's next leader: end the war, stop the bloodshed, and let people live in safety. The election takes place as Israeli forces hold a large portion of the territory. The outcome will determine the direction of policy for the next government.