Gaza suffering become campaign fodder as Palestinians fear worst from Israel election

Campaigns focus on Hamas

Netanyahu’s far-right coalition and Eisenkot’s opposition Yashar party have centered their campaigns on destroying Hamas after the 7 October attacks and the trauma in Israeli society. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has received little attention.

Both candidates support Donald Trump’s controversial peace plan, but neither has explained clearly what would happen to Gaza afterward. The Arab-led Joint List party released a 48-second video showing drone footage of the territory’s ruins.

Eisenkot’s military record

He later promoted the “Dahiya doctrine,” which advocated overwhelming force in civilian areas where militants operated. Critics say the approach has been used in Gaza, causing destruction they argue amounts to war crimes.

Residents fear another crisis

The prospect of Arab parties joining an Eisenkot-led coalition is slim, though they could support it from outside government. Many Palestinians in Gaza expect little to change whichever side wins.

Election anxiety in Gaza

Some residents are following the election not because they expect improvement, but because they fear its consequences. Karim Mareesh, 43, said a friend postponed his son’s wedding, worried a far-right victory could lead to renewed fighting and another flight from home.

Noor AlMoghanni, 20, from Gaza City, said residents no longer believe promises to address their suffering. Mareesh’s friend also feared losing his tent and the wedding supplies he had managed to save.