Gaza holds first elections in 20 years amid stalled ceasefire process – but only in one city | CNN

Gaza held its first elections in more than 20 years on Saturday – but only in one city for a small fraction of the shattered territory’s population – amid a stalled process to advance the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The elections took place in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, one of the areas that suffered the least destruction during nearly two years of Israeli bombardment of the enclave. Held under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority, the municipal elections also took place in the occupied West Bank, amid perceived widespread disillusionment with the ruling Fatah party. In Gaza, approximately 70,000 voters – less than five percent of the population – were eligible to cast their ballot in an election that was viewed as largely symbolic. It is the first election held in the territory since Hamas took over in 2006. “Honestly, as a Palestinian and a son of the Gaza Strip, I feel proud that after this war, the democratic process is returning,” Mamdouh al-Bhaisi, a 52-year-old voter, told Reuters. “I am overjoyed, and I pray that everyone will participate and contribute to the success of this great democratic celebration.” The elect