Palestinians participated in local elections across the occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip city of Deir al-Balah over the weekend, with some Gaza residents voting for the first time in years.

The municipal elections in Deir al-Balah represent the first local voting in Gaza in nearly two decades. Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, announced it would not participate in the elections in the city.

Residents of Deir al-Balah described the voting opportunity as long-awaited, viewing it as a chance to address local municipal issues and problems affecting their city. The elections were limited to this single Gaza municipality rather than territory-wide.

In the West Bank, local elections proceeded in multiple communities under the Palestinian Authority's administration. Various Palestinian political groups chose not to participate in the electoral process alongside Hamas.

The limited scope of the elections highlights the ongoing political divisions within Palestinian territories, where different governing authorities control the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Local elections have been infrequent in recent years due to these political tensions and administrative challenges.