Multiple web search results report that Gaza is holding its first municipal election in many years (cited as 20 years or 22 years).

Multiple web search results confirm that voting is occurring in both central Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and that this marks the first local vote since the start of the conflict in Gaza.

Multiple web search results corroborate the specific details: polling stations opening at 7 am (04:00 GMT) for 70,000 voters in Deir el-Balah, and that this is noted as the first such election in 20 years.

One web search result states Deir el-Balah was chosen because the population had largely remained in place and not been displaced by more than two years of war. This aligns with the general context of the area being relatively less destroyed compared to other parts of Gaza.

Multiple web search results confirm that voting in the West Bank aims to determine local councils overseeing essential services like water, roads, and electricity. The figure of 'nearly 1.5 million' is cited in one web result.

A web search result explicitly states that the elections come as the PA seeks to project reform and legitimacy due to public frustration over corruption, political stagnation, and the absence of national elections since 2006.

Multiple web search results indicate that the electoral lists are primarily backed by Fatah or independents, and note the lack of official participation from Hamas.