Gazans Track Israeli Election Amid 65 Percent Military Control

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are following the Israeli campaign with anxiety as voters head to the polls on Tuesday.

The territory has operated under a ceasefire since October 2025, but residents report enduring near-daily air strikes and a siege that limits the supply of basic goods. The election is heavily influenced by the war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing criticism over security failures before the October 7, 2023 attacks. Members of his far-right coalition have advocated for a stricter approach, including the potential expulsion of the population.

Mohammed Eliyan, 36, was displaced from Jabalia and now resides in Deir el-Balah with five children. He supports Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu's main rival, fearing that a Likud victory would extend the war. Eliyan stated, "They are still our enemy, and I don't expect things to improve dramatically," though he hopes for a less harsh administration.

Islam Salem, 41, believes the outcome will impact his three daughters, likely for the worse. He noted that Israel controls about 65 percent of Gaza inside the "Yellow Line." With more than 80 percent of buildings damaged and two-thirds destroyed, he doubted reconstruction would begin soon. Salem said, "We live day by day. Everything we feared has already happened."

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times. She fears worse treatment from the next government but believes a Netanyahu defeat offers a better chance of returning to her home in Beit Lahiya. She declared, "We have had enough of war and destruction. There is nothing left to destroy, yet the suffering continues."

Manar Owaida, 23, displaced in Tal al-Hawa, also favors Eisenkot. She argued that Israeli policy has remained consistent for decades, though a new government might ease the blockade and withdraw from areas beyond the Yellow Line. Her primary concern is that Netanyahu might start a wider regional war to shift domestic focus.

Mousa Ali, 33, emphasized the importance of the Yellow Line for displaced families. He hopes Arab parties gain enough strength to influence the next government. Ali said, "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed."

Israelis will cast their votes on Tuesday. The outcome will determine whether Netanyahu remains in power or if Eisenkot leads a new government, affecting the immediate trajectory of the conflict and the status of the occupied territories.