Local elections are being held in the Gaza Strip for the first time in 20 years — Reuters
Local elections are being held in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2007, when the Hamas faction took power in the region.
This is reported by Reuters.
Voting is currently limited to one city—Deir al-Balah—and is seen as a test of political sentiment in the region.
The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, hopes that this city’s participation in the elections will strengthen its position regarding the return of control over Gaza.
Voter turnout in Deir al-Balah is reported to be high.
Western diplomats believe these elections could be a step toward holding the first nationwide elections in nearly two decades, as well as promoting reforms and increasing government transparency.
It is expected that more than a million Palestinians could participate in the elections overall, including about 70,000 in the Gaza Strip.
Kosovo has approved the deployment of troops to the Gaza Strip as part of an international security force.
Israel announced the elimination of two militants in Gaza.
