Abbas Allies Take Most West Bank Municipal Races as Gaza Votes in 20-Year Milestone

Abbas loyalists won most West Bank municipal races, with Hamas boycotting Gaza and not nominating candidates there; Gaza held its first municipal election in about two decades, but turnout was low (around 23%) due to war and displacement, while the West Bank turnout was about 56%. In Deir el-Balah, the Fatah-backed Nahdat Deir el-Balah secured six seats, Deir el-Balah Brings Us Together won two, and two other Gaza-based groups captured the remaining seats, signaling a mixed result amid Israeli restrictions and ongoing conflict.