Story perspectives

Deir al-Balah Holds First Gaza Municipal Vote Since 2005

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Deir al-Balah was the only Gaza city to hold municipal voting, the first elections there since 2005.
Palestinian Authority opened polls at 7 a.m. Saturday, will close them at 5 p.m., with results due late Saturday or early Sunday.
Hamas boycotted the vote, fielded no candidates, and deployed police to guard the polling stations.
Residents cited water, electricity and sewage as concerns, with ten local and two international groups accredited to observe.

History

Historical Context

After the Gaza–Jericho Agreement created the Palestinian Authority in May 1994, the PA held its first municipal elections in December 2004 and January 2005, voting for council officials in 25 West Bank towns and 10 Gaza councils. Today the Deir al-Balah poll repeats that pattern, with the PA running the ballot while Hamas boycotts and stations police, underscoring the enduring split in Palestinian local governance.

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Story summary

Deir al-Balah was the only Gaza city to hold municipal voting, the first elections there since 2005.
Palestinian Authority opened polls at 7 a.m. Saturday, will close them at 5 p.m., with results due late Saturday or early Sunday.
Hamas boycotted the vote, fielded no candidates, and deployed police to guard the polling stations.
Residents cited water, electricity and sewage as concerns, with ten local and two international groups accredited to observe.

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