Gaza's Future Unwritten: How Israel's Election Decisions Will Reshape Lives Without Palestinian Input

Palestinians in Gaza were unable to cast a vote in Israel’s recent election, yet the outcome is poised to significantly shape their future. Since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, over 74,000 individuals have been reported killed in Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes occurring almost daily, despite a nominal ceasefire established a year prior. The humanitarian crisis in the region continues to worsen, marked by severe food shortages, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential infrastructure.

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition and his primary opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, based their electoral campaigns on the promise of ending Hamas rule in Gaza. However, for many within the enclave, the identity of the winner holds little significance. Three individuals in central Gaza shared their perspectives with CNN.

Ahed Ferwana stated, “The platforms announced by the Israeli parties—whether from Netanyahu’s camp or the opposition—all concur that an independent Palestinian state will not be established. They intend to maintain their presence in the Gaza Strip and continue military operations both within the Strip and extending into the West Bank, as is currently observed in Hebron. Consequently, these elections are not anticipated to yield substantial positive outcomes for the Palestinian cause. This is especially true given Eisenkot’s recent candid statement about potentially resuming hostilities in Gaza, which he described as the quickest option. Netanyahu’s camp, meanwhile, has been committed to the conflict for over three years.”

Musa Ubeid expressed his lack of faith in any Israeli political faction, saying, “I do not rely on the right, the left, or anyone in Israel, because they perceive our children as terrorists. How then can we expect or count on any party? They are essentially two sides of the same coin.”

Tareq Abu Eweimeh commented, “Trump and Netanyahu share a singular policy: perpetuating wars, their continuation, and bloodshed. Therefore, their objectives are aligned, and they are proceeding on the same path.”