Deir al-Balah stands as a rare exception in the Gaza Strip, where more than 80% of buildings were destroyed in two years of war, according to the United Nations. Located at the heart of the narrow strip of land, it is the only city still standing, despite having been partially scarred by Israeli airstrikes. As a result, it was chosen as a pilot city for the municipal elections, which were held simultaneously on Saturday, April 25, in cities across the occupied West Bank.
Despite a lower-than-expected turnout – 22%, or about 15,000 voters out of 70,000 registered – organizers saw reason to celebrate. “It remains an achievement, given the extremely difficult conditions in the Gaza Strip,” said Jamil Al-Khalidi, regional director of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, speaking by phone to Le Monde, like all people interviewed for this article, because Israel has barred access to the enclave following the massacres committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
A sense of despair pervades Gazan society, overwhelmed by the struggle for basic survival, such as finding water, food, or wood for cooking due to the lack of gas. According to the elections commission official, these priorities explain the low turnout, in a sign that the population has lost confidence “in international rhetoric about democracy and human rights,” which they see as “empty slogans with no real impact.”
You have 78.88% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
