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First Gaza Municipal Election: 23% Turnout, West Bank Sweep

4/26/2026

49 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The municipal elections in Gaza, the first local vote in almost twenty years, recorded a 23% turnout.
Abbas-aligned candidates swept the West Bank with unchallenged seats as turnout hit 56%, while Hamas abstained in Gaza, leaving the Deir el-Balah Brings Us Together list with two seats and the Fatah-backed Nahdat list with six.
Israeli restrictions barred some ballot boxes and equipment, yet resident Ashraf Abu Dan voted despite daily challenges.

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Story summary

The municipal elections in Gaza, the first local vote in almost twenty years, recorded a 23% turnout.
Abbas-aligned candidates swept the West Bank with unchallenged seats as turnout hit 56%, while Hamas abstained in Gaza, leaving the Deir el-Balah Brings Us Together list with two seats and the Fatah-backed Nahdat list with six.
Israeli restrictions barred some ballot boxes and equipment, yet resident Ashraf Abu Dan voted despite daily challenges.