Gaza residents see little prospect of change in Israel election

Palestinians in Gaza have no vote in Israel’s 27 October election, but its outcome could shape policies affecting their lives. Residents interviewed by Al Jazeera said they expected little improvement whichever bloc forms the next government, amid continuing violence, displacement and shortages.

Maryam al-Dabala, who said she had been displaced about 14 times, fears a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu could continue forced displacement. She also expressed concern about aid, medicine, food and other necessities. Many residents, Al Jazeera reported, were also wary of opposition frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot, who served in Netanyahu’s government during the first eight months of the war.

Osama al-Arbaei said he did not expect conditions to improve under either outcome. He told Al Jazeera that food remained expensive and cited a box of tomatoes costing 20 to 50 shekels, while he had less than two shekels. He said he had no income and was concerned about food prices and employment.

The report said a ceasefire that took effect on 10 October had not ended violence in Gaza, and cited at least 1,399 Palestinians killed and 4,863 injured since then. It also described widespread displacement, with many people living in tents or temporary shelters.

Israeli affairs expert Ahed Farawaneh told Al Jazeera that recent polls suggested neither the governing bloc nor the opposition would secure the 61 Knesset seats needed to govern alone. He said a Netanyahu-led government would likely continue its approach towards Gaza, while an opposition-led government might respond more to international pressure but would still face pressure from the far right.

For residents interviewed by Al Jazeera, the central uncertainty is whether the government formed after the election will change conditions on the ground. Umm Mohammed Khalil, a displaced widow, appealed to Israeli voters to show compassion and end the war and displacement.