Fatah Claims Victory After Arab Local Elections in Samaria, Gaza

Fatah claimed a “sweeping victory” in Arab municipal elections, saying it secured control of most local councils across Judea and Samaria.

According to the Palestinian Authority’s WAFA news agency, Fatah won key municipalities including Jenin, an area where the PA had previously been accused of losing control to Hamas-linked Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The party also said it formed 197 municipal and village councils through consensus agreements with other factions.

Official figures from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission put overall voter turnout at 53.44%.

Voting was also held in parts of Gaza for the first time since 2006, specifically in Deir al-Balah, though participation there was limited. Only about 70,000 people were eligible to vote, with turnout reported at 22.7%.

Despite the PA presenting the elections as a milestone in what it has called the “year of Palestinian democracy,” critics pointed to significant shortcomings in the process.

In several cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only a single electoral list was registered, meaning candidates were effectively elected without a vote. In other areas, such as Qalqilya, no lists were submitted at all.

Hamas was barred from participating, as candidates were required to recognize Israel, support a two-state framework, and adhere to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s political program. Despite this, Hamas maintained a visible presence around polling stations in Gaza, with armed members seen near voting sites.

Analysts and local residents questioned whether the elections represented meaningful democratic progress, citing limited competition and structural constraints on participation.