Despite relentless Israeli bombardment and widespread destruction, Palestinians in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip are pressing ahead with preparations for their first legislative elections in two decades.
The vote is scheduled for Nov 28, with electoral lists currently being submitted in Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza.
The upcoming election has sparked a surge of political engagement among young Palestinians, who hope it will open the door to new voices and a fresh political future.
"As independent Palestinian young people, we see a lack of effective roles by political parties and the government in Gaza. Our candidacy is a natural response to the lack of government action in meeting people's needs. This is why we are submitting our candidacy today," said Fadi Al-Sheikh Youssef, who is currently leading an independent youth electoral list.
The Palestinian territories have not witnessed a legislative election since 2006, when Hamas secured a decisive victory.
A violent political schism the following year left Hamas in control of the Gaza Strip, while the Palestinian Authority retained governance over parts of the occupied West Bank.
Political analysts suggest that Hamas views the upcoming vote as a vital gateway to maintaining its foothold in the Palestinian political system, especially as the United States and Israel actively seek to strip the group of any political influence.
"Hamas' approach to the upcoming elections is linked to its desire to reestablish itself within the Palestinian political system. Hamas believes that one of the objectives of the war and the U.S.-Israeli position are to remove it from political influence. Therefore, it sees the elections as a gateway to remaining part of the Palestinian political system," said Ahmed Al-Tanani, a political researcher.
However, organizing an election in an active war zone faces unprecedented challenges. Three years of devastating conflict have left Gaza in ruins, with millions of Palestinians still displaced and border crossings tightly restricted.
Jamil al-Khalidi, regional director of the Central Elections Commission (CEC) in the Gaza Strip, highlighted the severe logistical hurdles facing the vote.
"Ballot boxes, ballot papers and electoral ink, all these materials are prohibited from entering Gaza. Even international election monitoring missions have been prevented from entering. But this will not stop elections from being held in Gaza. We have alternatives if these materials and foreign delegations continue to be denied entry," said al-Khalidi.
Beyond the logistical obstacles, the dire security situation remains the most formidable challenge. With Israeli airstrikes on the enclave showing no signs of abating, the physical safety of the electoral process is in question.
"With the ongoing bombardment and strikes in Gaza affecting the movement of election commission staff, candidates and voters, we are calling on the international community to help provide a safe and suitable environment for the elections," said al-Khalidi.
Palestinians in Gaza preparing for 1st legislative elections in 20 years amid Israeli attacks
