Palestinians Fear Election as Gaza’s Crisis Becomes Campaign Tool

Election Stakes for Gaza

The upcoming Israeli national election has become a flashpoint for Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Voters will decide between a coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu and a bloc headed by former defence minister Gadi Eisenkot. Both camps have pledged to maintain a hard line against Hamas, a stance that many Gazans interpret as a continuation of the policies that have reduced much of their territory to rubble.

For residents of Gaza, the ballot is not a distant political event. It is a decision that will shape access to humanitarian aid, reconstruction permits, and the possibility of any ceasefire negotiations. The fear is that election rhetoric will be used to justify further restrictions rather than to address the urgent needs of a population that has endured more than two years of blockade and war.

Key political figures and their rhetoric

Netanyahu has repeatedly described Hamas as an existential threat and has warned that any concession could embolden the militant group. In recent campaign speeches he promised to “secure Israel’s borders” and to “prevent any re‑arming of Hamas”. Eisenkot, while less flamboyant, has echoed the same security narrative and has suggested a “new strategic approach” that would keep pressure on Gaza.

Both leaders have largely omitted concrete plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, focusing instead on security guarantees. Their statements have been amplified by media outlets that portray Gaza’s suffering as a by‑product of Hamas’ actions, rather than as a humanitarian emergency.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza

Since the conflict intensified in October 2023, the United Nations estimates that nearly 75,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with many more injured. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that close to one million residents remain displaced, living in overcrowded shelters that lack basic sanitation.

Water supplies have been severely disrupted. The World Health Organization notes that less than half of the population has reliable access to clean water, increasing the risk of water‑borne diseases. Electricity is available for only a few hours each day, limiting the operation of hospitals and cooling systems for perishable food.

Sanitation, water, and health crisis

Sanitary conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Makeshift latrines are overflowing, and waste management services have been halted. This environment creates a fertile ground for outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and other infections.

Medical facilities are operating at the edge of collapse. The WHO highlights that essential medicines are running out, and that many hospitals are functioning without reliable power or clean water. Doctors are forced to triage patients with limited resources, and the psychological toll on both patients and staff is profound.

• Over 1.4 million people lack adequate shelter.
• More than 80 percent of homes have been damaged or destroyed.
• Food aid reaches only a fraction of the population each day.

How the campaign addresses (or ignores) Gaza

During televised debates and campaign rallies, Gaza rarely appears as a substantive topic. When mentioned, it is framed as a security issue rather than a humanitarian one. This framing allows candidates to appeal to voters who prioritize national security while sidestepping the question of how to rebuild a devastated civilian infrastructure.

Some political ads have used images of destroyed neighborhoods as a backdrop for slogans about “defending Israel”. Critics argue that this visual strategy turns the suffering of civilians into a political prop, a phenomenon described by analysts as “campaign fodder”.

International reactions and calls for accountability

International bodies have urged Israeli leaders to separate humanitarian concerns from electoral politics. A recent statement from the European Union called for “unbiased humanitarian access” and warned that politicising the crisis could violate international law.

Human Rights Watch has documented instances where aid distribution appears to be influenced by political considerations, suggesting that areas perceived as supportive of Hamas receive fewer resources. The organization calls for transparent mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those in need regardless of political affiliation.

In addition, the United Nations has appealed for an independent investigation into the use of civilian sites for military purposes, a practice that complicates the delivery of aid and raises questions about compliance with the laws of armed conflict.

1. Maintain open channels for humanitarian assistance irrespective of election outcomes.
2. Establish clear, legally binding commitments for post‑conflict reconstruction.
3. Separate security policy from civilian aid distribution to avoid politicisation.
4. Engage international observers to monitor compliance with humanitarian law.

For Palestinians in Gaza, the election is a looming uncertainty. The hope is that any future government will recognise the scale of the humanitarian emergency and prioritize relief over rhetoric.

As the campaign continues, observers will watch closely to see whether candidates shift their language from security‑centric slogans to concrete plans that address water, sanitation, health, and rebuilding. The outcome will determine not only the political direction of Israel but also the daily reality for a population that has endured relentless hardship.