Gaza City – Palestinians in Gaza are closely monitoring Israel's upcoming national election, scheduled for October 27, with deep apprehension about how the results will shape their already dire circumstances. After three years of widespread destruction and displacement due to the ongoing conflict, the vote represents a pivotal moment that could determine the future policies of the Israeli government towards the besieged territory.

For the more than 70,000 lives lost and those who remain, the Israeli election carries significant weight. While Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have no direct role in the voting process, the outcome is expected to profoundly impact their daily lives and future prospects. The campaign's trajectory is being watched as a potential indicator of whether policies leading to further hardship and displacement will continue.

Many residents express little hope that any prospective Israeli government will bring about positive change. Thirty-year-old Maryam al-Dabala, who has been displaced approximately 14 times during the war, stated her primary concern is whether a new administration will deviate from the current policies. She fears a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government could lead to further forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Even potential alternatives, such as a government led by Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, offer little optimism. Eisenkot, having served in Netanyahu's government during the initial eight months of the war, supports West Bank settlements and opposes the two-state solution, leading many Palestinians to believe his leadership would not improve their situation.

However, al-Dabala views another Netanyahu government, potentially bolstered by far-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, as the most catastrophic scenario. She highlighted the critical shortages of aid, medicine, and basic necessities, emphasizing that even the temporary shelters are inadequate against the elements and ongoing bombardments.

The prevailing uncertainty fuels anxieties about potential escalations on the ground. Families are particularly vulnerable to any dramatic political shifts in Israel, fearing that such changes could trigger renewed violence and further devastation in Gaza. The current "ceasefire," which began on October 10, has not brought an end to the hardships.

Palestinians are grappling with the immediate consequences of the conflict, including severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The destruction of infrastructure has crippled essential services, leaving a large portion of the population dependent on humanitarian aid, which itself faces significant obstacles in reaching those in need.

As Israelis head to the polls, the population of Gaza remains in a state of suspended fear, awaiting a political outcome that many believe will do little to alleviate their suffering or address the fundamental issues driving the prolonged conflict.