Voting took place in the local elections in Palestine on Saturday, April 25.
Sites were opened throughout the West Bank, as well as in the city of Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip.
Only candidates who recognized the authority of the Palestine Liberation Organization were able to participate in the elections. Therefore, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections, and several other factions boycotted the vote themselves.
The voter turnout rate in Deir al-Balah was only 22.7% (53.4% in the West Bank). The results of the vote will be announced later on Sunday.
Elections have not been held in the Gaza Strip since 2006, when Hamas took power there. In the West Bank, the last local elections were held in 2022.
The Palestine Liberation Organization officially considers itself the legitimate authority in all Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip. Hamas does not recognize the authority of the Palestine Liberation Organization. how Notes Reuters With the help of the vote in the Gaza Strip, the Palestine Liberation Organization hopes to strengthen its position there.