By Basant El-Faramawy
Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for the upcoming Israeli elections, fearing that the outcome will further dictate their survival. As Israel prepares to vote, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—where nearly 75,000 people have been killed and nearly a million have been displaced—has remained largely absent from the central focus of the political campaigns.
Political Rivals and Gaza's Future
The election campaigns of Benjamin Netanyahu and his opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, have centered primarily on the destruction of Hamas following the October 7 attacks. While Netanyahu leads a far-right coalition, Eisenkot’s Yashar party is leading the Likud in recent polls. Neither candidate has presented a comprehensive plan for the future of Gaza, though both have pledged to end Hamas's rule and support the peace plan proposed by Donald Trump.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief, has campaigned on restoring Israel's international standing. However, critics point to his past support for the Dahiya doctrine during the 2006 war, a strategy involving overwhelming force in civilian areas, as a sign that his leadership may not bring a departure from current military tactics.
Deep Pessimism Among Displaced Civilians
For those living in Gaza, the political shifts in Israel feel disconnected from their daily struggle for survival. Displaced residents in areas like al-Mawasi and Rafah report that Gaza's suffering has become mere fodder for political campaigning. Many express the belief that regardless of which party takes power, the fundamental approach toward Palestinian territory and people will remain largely unchanged.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with families facing acute shortages of water, medicine, and food. Recent suspensions in commercial deliveries have caused the price of flour to triple, exacerbating fears of a widespread food crisis. Residents noted that while a new government might marginally increase aid, it is unlikely to alter the reality of living amidst destroyed infrastructure and constant military threats.
Fear of Renewed Conflict
The uncertainty surrounding the election has created a climate of fear. Some residents have even postponed significant life events, such as weddings, due to concerns that a victory for far-right factions could trigger a resumption of intense warfare and further displacement. With over 20,000 children killed since October 2023, the sense of hopelessness remains profound among the population facing the consequences of the ongoing conflict.
