RAMALLAH, January 19, 2026 (WAFA) – In light of the Cabinet Decision issued on December 2, 2025, which set Saturday, April 25, 2026 as the date for conducting elections of local authority councils in all districts of the West bank and the Gaza, the Central Elections Commission (CEC) said it finds conducting local elections across the entire Gaza Strip to be difficult and extremely challenging.

However, following the consideration of the current conditions in the Gaza Strip, out of consideration for strengthening the geographical and political unity of both sides of the homeland, as well as safeguarding citizens’ right to participate in the democratic process whenever and wherever possible, the CEC has decided to conduct local elections in the city of Deir Al-Balah.

These elections will be held concurrently with the elections in 420 local authorities in the West Bank, said a statement issued by the CEC.

The CEC called upon all relevant competent authorities, national and community factions, to provide all necessary support and assistance to ensure the success of the electoral process in the city of Deir Al-Balah, reaffirming its full commitment to protecting citizens’ right to choose their representatives.

Furthermore, the CEC expressed its hope in completing the democratic process in all local authorities of the Gaza Strip as soon as conditions improve, providing the enabling environment for conducting elections.

T.R.