Palestinians Fear Worst as Gaza Suffering Becomes Israel Election 2026

Palestinians in Gaza fear the worst as Israel's election campaign turns their suffering into political fodder, with neither major party offering a clear plan for the territory's future. As Israel prepares to go to the polls, Palestinians in Gaza are bracing for an outcome that could shape their future, knowing their fate rests with the country that has reduced much of the territory to rubble and killed nearly 75,000 people.

Gaza, where nearly a million displaced Palestinians face dire sanitary conditions, water shortages and the constant threat of Israeli strikes, has been largely absent from the election campaign. Both Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition and Gadi Eisenkot's opposition Yashar party have focused instead on the goal of destroying Hamas in the wake of the 7 October attacks and the trauma inflicted on Israeli society.

The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding just across the border has received little, if any, attention. "We hope a government will come to power that is less inclined towards killing, displacement and our extermination," said Sami Abu Rumi, 47, from Rafah, who is now displaced in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis. "But, ultimately, we see the thinking of Israeli governments as largely similar."

Why Gaza Is Missing from Israel's Election Debate

Despite the profound impact of the war on Gaza, the territory's fate has barely featured in the election campaign. Instead, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot have concentrated on security and the destruction of Hamas, mirroring the public mood in Israel after the 7 October attacks.

Neither leader has set out a clear plan for Gaza's future. Both have vowed to end Hamas rule and both support Donald Trump's controversial peace plan. Eisenkot, the former military chief whose party is leading Netanyahu's Likud in the polls, has pledged to restore Israel's international standing after three years of war.

Yet he is no dove: Eisenkot has emphasized his military credentials and has not diverged significantly from Netanyahu on Gaza policy. This convergence leaves Palestinians with little hope that a change in government would bring a change in their circumstances.

The Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Gaza

The numbers are staggering. Nearly 75,000 people have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities, and much of Gaza's infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. Nearly a million Palestinians are displaced, many living in makeshift camps with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Sanitary conditions are dire, with outbreaks of disease threatening an already vulnerable population. Water shortages are acute, and the constant threat of Israeli strikes means that even humanitarian aid convoys are at risk. The international community has repeatedly warned of a looming famine, yet the election campaign in Israel has largely ignored these warnings.

For Palestinians like Sami Abu Rumi, the election offers little consolation. "We hope a government will come to power that is less inclined towards killing, displacement and our extermination," he said. "But, ultimately, we see the thinking of Israeli governments as largely similar."

What the Election Could Mean for Gaza

With both major parties committed to destroying Hamas and supporting Trump's peace plan, the election is unlikely to bring a significant shift in Gaza policy. However, the composition of the next government could influence the intensity of military operations and the willingness to negotiate a ceasefire. The background to this story is set out in Israel Election: Netanyahu's Political Future Hangs in Balance. A related thread runs through Israel Election: Can Netanyahu Pull Off Another Political Comeback. Earlier coverage in Israel's Election: Netanyahu's Fate and a Shift to the Right shows how the argument developed.

Eisenkot's pledge to restore Israel's international standing might lead to a more pragmatic approach, but his commitment to ending Hamas rule suggests that military pressure will continue. Netanyahu's far-right coalition, emboldened by its base, may pursue even harder-line policies. A closer look at the same subject appears in Israeli Election 2024: Why It Could Be the Last. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Israel Sets October Election Date After 2023 Hamas Attacks. The same theme surfaces in High Arab Voter Turnout Could Unseat Netanyahu in Israel Election, which takes a different angle.

For Palestinians, the key question is whether any Israeli government will address the humanitarian catastrophe and offer a political horizon. So far, neither candidate has articulated a vision for Gaza that goes beyond security measures. Context on how this played out before sits in Israel's Election: Why Ousting Netanyahu Is Not Enough. A companion piece, Israel Election: Far-Right Surge and Ben-Gvir's Rise, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways for Observers

• Gaza's humanitarian crisis has been largely absent from Israel's election campaign, with both major parties focusing on destroying Hamas.
• Neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot has presented a clear plan for Gaza's future, and both support Trump's peace plan.
• Palestinians fear that a change in government will not bring a change in policy, as both leaders share similar views on Gaza.
• The humanitarian situation is dire, with nearly a million displaced and severe shortages of water and sanitation.
• International pressure may be needed to push any future Israeli government to address the crisis.

Comparing the Candidates' Positions on Gaza

FAQ

As Israel goes to the polls, the world will be watching to see if the next government will address the suffering in Gaza or continue to treat it as campaign fodder. For Palestinians, the hope for a less aggressive government is tempered by the reality that both leading candidates share a similar outlook on the conflict.