Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Palestinians Vote in West Bank and Gaza’s Deir el-Balah in First Ballots Since War Began

The local vote tests basic services governance under a fragile ceasefire.

Un Palestinien vote lors des élections municipales à Jénine, ville de Cisjordanie occupée par Israël, le 25 avril 2026
Deux hommes consultent les listes électorales dans un bureau de vote lors des élections municipales du village de Qabatiyah, au sud de Jénine, en Cisjordanie occupée par Israël, le 25 avril 2026
Deux Palestiniennes se présentent pour voter lors des élections municipales du village de Burqin, à l'ouest de Jénine, en Cisjordanie occupée, le 25 avril 2026
Image

Overview

  • Municipal elections held Saturday in the West Bank and in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah marked the first Palestinian vote since the Gaza war began.
  • The Central Elections Commission reported about 1.5 million registered voters in the West Bank and about 70,000 in Deir el-Balah.
  • Turnout reached 40.62% in the West Bank by late afternoon, while Deir el-Balah ended at 21.2% after an earlier closing to allow daylight counting due to power cuts.
  • Competition was limited, with most lists aligned to Fatah or independent and no lists openly linked to Hamas, and some would‑be candidates said detentions blocked their registration.
  • Municipal councils manage core services like water, sanitation, and local roads, and the UN and EU praised the vote as a step toward stronger local accountability after national elections stalled since 2006.