Palestinian political and humanitarian crisis

Palestinian political and social stability faces significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and restrictions in the West Bank. Palestinian Liberation Organization member Ahmed Majdalani has characterized the war in Gaza as a strategic effort to destroy infrastructure and prevent the establishment of an independent state through displacement and annexation.

Political processes are further complicated by the Israeli government’s reported refusal to allow the Palestinian Central Election Commission to enter Gaza and Jerusalem, threatening legislative elections scheduled for late November. While Commission spokesperson Farid Taamallah noted that staff continue to work through local offices, the restrictions raise concerns regarding the potential postponement or cancellation of the electoral process.

Agricultural livelihoods are also under threat. In the West Bank, particularly near Masafer Yatta, farmers report the uprooting, burning, and poisoning of olive trees, alongside crop theft and physical assaults. In the Gaza Strip, the destruction of health, education, and economic infrastructure continues to undermine societal stability.

As Israel approaches its own elections, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a central issue. Political competition in Israel is currently focused on the destruction of Hamas, with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition and Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party prioritizing this objective. However, neither has provided a definitive long-term plan for Gaza’s governance. Critics have noted that Eisenkot’s past support for the ‘Dahiya doctrine’—a military strategy involving overwhelming force against civilian areas—suggests his approach may not differ significantly from current methods regarding civilian impact.