Palestinians in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and central Gaza began voting Saturday in municipal elections, the first such vote since the Gaza war began, against a backdrop of widespread disillusionment and ongoing destruction.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time as voters cast ballots in local races focused on basic services such as water, sanitation, and infrastructure.

Nearly 1.5 million registered voters are eligible in the West Bank, along with about 70,000 in Gaza’s Deir el-Balah area, according to the Central Elections Commission.

Limited political competition

Most candidate lists are aligned with the secular-nationalist Fatah movement or run as independents. No lists are affiliated with Hamas, which controls parts of Gaza.

Municipal councils in the Palestinian territories handle local administration but do not legislate, making them one of the few functioning governance structures under the Palestinian Authority.

Gaza vote held in single area

The Gaza vote is being held only in Deir el-Balah, which officials said was selected because it is among the few areas where large portions of the population remain in place despite the war.

Election organizers said special arrangements were made due to widespread damage to infrastructure and limited electricity in the enclave.

UN officials described the process as an important opportunity for civic participation amid difficult conditions.

War aftermath shapes turnout

The vote comes after two years of conflict that have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and left tens of thousands dead, according to Gaza health authorities, whose figures are considered credible by the United Nations.

Public services, including water systems and healthcare, remain severely strained.

Many voters expressed skepticism about the impact of the elections, citing continued Israeli military control in parts of the West Bank and deep political divisions.

Still, some participants said the vote reflected a desire for stability and rebuilding after years of conflict.

Symbolic vote amid governance crisis

Analysts say the elections carry limited political weight but highlight ongoing governance challenges for the Palestinian Authority, which has faced criticism over corruption and declining legitimacy.

With national elections stalled since 2006, municipal polls remain one of the few avenues for political participation under current conditions.