Local elections begin in West Bank, Gaza Strip's Deir al-Balah

About 1.03 million voters are eligible, 491 polling centres set up

Local elections began in the West Bank and the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Central Elections Commission.

The commission said in a statement that about 1.03 million voters were eligible to vote through 491 polling centres that include 1,922 voting stations.

This also marks the first time in 22 years that municipal elections are taking place in Deir al-Balah, relatively one of the least damaged cities in the enclave during Israel’s two-year genocidal war.

Read: Israeli strikes kill five in Gaza, Hamas clashes with Israeli-backed militia

The polls, which opened at 7 am (0400 GMT) local time, would be closed at 7 pm (1600GMT) in the West Bank, and at 5 pm (7pm PKT) in Deir al-Balah.

The elections cover 183 municipalities in total – 90 municipal councils with 3,773 candidates competing, while 93 village councils with 1,358 candidates vying for seats.

'Change the reality imposed on us'

For Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, including ⁠Adham Al-Bardini, the vote on Saturday marks an opportunity for political expression after the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, that sparked Israel's devastating two-year assault on Gaza.

"For the first time ​in my life, in 20 years, I will have this feeling. I have been hearing about elections since I was born, but because of the circumstances, no elections have been held," said Al-Bardini, 34.

"We ​are eager to take part so we can change the reality imposed on us."

In Deir al‑Balah, large banners bearing the logos of rival candidate lists decorate the streets. Voting will be held in 12 polling centres, including open fields and tents.

Fareed Taamallah, spokesman for the PA Central Elections Commission, said roughly 70,000 Palestinians were eligible to vote in Deir al‑Balah, a city he said was chosen because it suffered less damage than the rest ​of the largely ruined territory.

Four lists are fielding candidates in the election, including one that has several candidates who residents and analysts regard as pro-Hamas.

Hamas has not explicitly fielded a list ​or endorsed any candidate, citing disagreements with Abbas over a PA decree that requires candidates to accept terms, including recognition of Israel. Other factions are also boycotting the vote, meaning Fatah is expected to sweep ‌larger city councils ⁠in the West Bank.

But despite its official boycott of the vote, Hamas "may be betting on winning in this election" and could use pro-Hamas candidates' performance to gauge its popularity, said Hani Al-Masri, a West Bank political analyst.

Read more: US, Hamas hold direct talks in Cairo to advance Gaza ceasefire: report

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the group would respect the election results. Sources in the group told Reuters that it will deploy police and security forces to secure voting sites.

Hamas reasserted control of Deir al-Balah and other areas in a stretch of Gaza's coast from which Israeli forces withdrew under an October 2025 ceasefire. Israel retains control of more than 53% of ​Gaza.

Some public opinion polling shows Hamas remains popular ​in Gaza and the West Bank, given the devastation Israel has wrought in the genocide. In Gaza, an October 2025 poll by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found that 41% of Palestinians there support Hamas, followed by 29% for Fatah.