This weekend, Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, will participate in municipal elections, the first since 2006. The elections come amid a backdrop of conflict and feature candidates aligned with Hamas, which has not officially endorsed any list due to disagreements with the Palestinian Authority (PA) over recognition of Israel. Approximately 70,000 residents are eligible to vote, and the elections are seen as a crucial opportunity for political expression following the devastating conflict that began with Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Political analysts suggest that despite Hamas's official boycott of the elections, the performance of pro-Hamas candidates may provide insight into the group's popularity. The elections are also a response to a U.S. plan for Gaza that many Palestinians believe could further entrench divisions between the region and the West Bank. This vote is viewed as a symbolic step towards reaffirming Gaza's integral role in the Palestinian political landscape.