Gaza voters hopeful for 'good start' in first local elections since 2006

Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip area of Deir el-Balah voted in municipal elections, the first since the 2006 legislative elections and the Gaza war. The elections mark the first local vote in the area since Hamas won the previous legislative contest.

The municipal elections aim to restore local governance and engage with international organizations after two decades of political isolation and blockade. Officials described the vote as a step toward rebuilding the city, improving living conditions, and potentially paving the way for future legislative or presidential elections.