Gazans track Israeli election as 80 percent of buildings lie in ruins

More than 80 percent of buildings in Gaza have sustained damage, and about two-thirds of those structures are completely destroyed. As Israeli voters prepare to cast ballots on Tuesday, Palestinians in the territory are watching the race with a mix of anxiety and low expectations. Despite a ceasefire that has held since October 2025, residents report facing near-daily air strikes, harsh living conditions, and a siege that has left basic goods in short supply.

The election has been shaped heavily by the war. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism over his security handling prior to the October 7, 2023 attacks. Members of his far-right government have urged a tougher line on Gaza, including the expulsion of its population. Many residents see Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu's main rival, as a potential alternative, though few expect a dramatic shift in policy.

Islam Salem, 41, a father of three daughters displaced from Beit Lahiya, believes the result will likely worsen his children's future. He points to Israel's control of about 65 percent of Gaza inside the so-called Yellow Line and doubts that reconstruction will begin soon. "We live day by day," Salem said. "Everything we feared has already happened."

Hanan Abu al-Maaza, 57, has been displaced more than 12 times during the conflict. She said fear drives her interest in the vote and that she dreads worse treatment from the next government. If Netanyahu loses, she believes there is a better chance she could return to her home in Beit Lahiya. "We have had enough of war and destruction," Abu al-Maaza said. "There is nothing left to destroy, yet the suffering continues."

Manar Owaida, 23, originally from northern Gaza and now living in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood, hopes Eisenkot replaces Netanyahu. She argues that Israeli policy has remained consistent for decades. A new government might ease the blockade and withdraw from areas beyond the Yellow Line, she said. Her biggest fear is that Netanyahu could start a wider regional war to relieve domestic political pressure around the vote.

Mousa Ali, 33, a father of four displaced from Beit Lahiya, said the election is critical because of the Yellow Line and whether displaced people can return to areas beyond it. He hopes Arab parties perform strongly enough to have a role in the next government. Ali does not expect major change and believes a Netanyahu win would prolong displacement and Israeli control around the line. "We hope this policy will end and that a new prime minister will stop this ongoing bloodshed," Ali said.