Polling began at 7 a.m., closing at 5 p.m. in Deir al-Balah and 7 p.m. elsewhere. The elections commission noted 1.3 million eligible voters overall, 70,000 in the key Gaza city.

Voters chose among 321 lists for 183 councils. Municipal races drew 3,773 candidates; village councils had 1,358. Deir al-Balah’s contest pitted four lists of 15 candidates each, mandating female representation.

Chosen for minimal war damage, the city buzzed with pre-vote energy: banners on poles, markets, camps, and homes. Election officials praised the orderly turnout.

Local resident Salman al-Aydi shared his joy: ‘Peaceful voting after decades is a rare chance.’ Hamas praised the event as vital progress, pushing for broader polls. Analyst Iyad Abdel Jawad highlighted goals to restart frozen institutions.

Since Hamas seized control in 2007 amid strife and splits, no elections occurred. This partial return to ballots underscores resilience, potentially boosting services like water, waste management, and community planning in strained locales.

As counts proceed, eyes are on outcomes that could bridge divides and foster unity in Palestinian politics.