Gazans fear Israeli election outcome will deepen displacement and hardship

September 24, 2026 at 12:07 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Palestinians in Gaza are closely watching Israel's October 27 election, fearing a Netanyahu-led far-right government would continue forced displacement and worsen shortages of aid, medicine, and food. Frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party offers little hope, as he served in Netanyahu's war cabinet and supports West Bank settlements. The October 10 ceasefire has not stopped the violence, with at least 1,399 Palestinians killed since it took effect.

Key Facts

Israel's national election is scheduled for October 27, with Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party as the frontrunner.
At least 1,399 Palestinians have been killed and 4,863 injured in Gaza since the October 10 ceasefire took effect.
Maryam al-Dabala, a 30-year-old displaced about 14 times during the war, says her main concern is whether a new Israeli government will continue forced displacement policies.
Eisenkot served in Netanyahu's government during the first eight months of the war on Gaza and opposes the two-state solution.

Election Fears in Gaza

Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have no direct say in the vote, but many are closely following party campaigns because the results might impact their lives. Maryam al-Dabala, who has been displaced about 14 times during the war, said her main concern is whether a new Israeli government will continue the same policies towards Gaza as current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. She told Al Jazeera that if Netanyahu's far-right government succeeds, it will continue the policy of forced displacement of the people of Gaza. Al-Dabala views another Netanyahu government, likely backed by far-right ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir, as the worst possible outcome.

Frontrunner's Record

Many Palestinians do not believe a victory for frontrunner Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, will improve the lives of Palestinians. Eisenkot was part of Netanyahu's government during the first eight months of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. He supports settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law, and opposes the two-state solution.

Ceasefire Under Strain

A ceasefire that came into effect on October 10 has not ended the violence in Gaza. At least 1,399 Palestinians have been killed and 4,863 injured since then. Almost all of Gaza's population has been displaced at some point in the war, often multiple times, while many still live in tents and temporary structures in camps across the enclave.