Gaza residents await Tuesday vote with mixed feelings

Palestinians in Gaza are watching the Israeli election with a blend of worry and low expectations as voting begins on Tuesday. The territory has operated under a ceasefire since October 2025, but residents report that daily life remains difficult. Air strikes continue with near-daily frequency, and a siege has led to shortages of basic goods.

The conflict has heavily influenced the campaign. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for the security failures leading up to the October 7, 2023 attacks. Members of his far-right coalition have pushed for stricter measures, including the expulsion of the Gaza population.

Mohammed Eliyan, 36, lives in Deir el-Balah with his five children after being displaced from the Jabalia refugee camp. He supports Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu’s main rival. Eliyan fears that a second term for the Likud party and its far-right allies would bring more war. "They are still our enemy, and I don't expect things to improve dramatically," Eliyan said. He hopes the next leader will simply be less harsh.

Islam Salem, 41, was displaced from Beit Lahiya and is a father of three daughters. He believes the election result will negatively impact his children’s future. Salem points out that Israel controls about 65 percent of Gaza inside the so-called Yellow Line. More than 80 percent of buildings in the territory have been damaged, with two-thirds of those completely destroyed. "We live day by day," Salem said. "Everything we feared has already happened."

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times during the war. She says 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, is currently displaced in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. She originally lived in northern Gaza. Owaida considers Netanyahu more extreme than his rivals. She thinks a new government might ease the blockade and withdraw from areas beyond the Yellow Line. Her main concern is that Netanyahu might start a wider regional war to distract from domestic political pressure.

Mousa Ali, 33, is a father of four displaced from Beit Lahiya. He sees the election as critical because of the Yellow Line and the ability of displaced people to return to areas beyond it. Ali hopes Arab parties will perform strongly enough to influence the next government. He does not expect major changes and believes a Netanyahu win would prolong displacement.

Residents across different areas shared a common request for the next Israeli leader. They want the war to end and the bloodshed to stop so they can live in safety. "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed," Ali said.