On the morning of November 6, 2024, Donald Trump emerged victorious once again from the U.S. presidential election, sending shockwaves not only through the political corridors of Washington but also reverberations across the globe, particularly among the approximately two million Palestinians who call Gaza their home. The reactions from the region, primarily characterized by skepticism and resignation, underscored a collective sentiment: whether it be Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, the despair of the Palestinian people would likely persist.
Abdul Kareem al-Kahlout, a 35-year-old math teacher from Deir al-Balah, expressed his skepticism about any potential positive effects from the election outcome. "I am fearful both candidates are for the same thing, which is no end in sight for the war in Gaza," he lamented. This sentiment isn’t isolated; it appears to encapsulate the views of many who have been living under the harsh realities of conflict and siege.
The backdrop to these comments is the imminent crisis and devastation facing Gaza. The war, initiated after Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, has wreaked havoc, with more than 43,000 lives lost according to local authorities—an overwhelmingly large toll including both militants and civilians. The situation has led to international outcry as images of destruction, estimates of casualties, and cries for humanitarian assistance flood news outlets.
Within Gaza, access to daily necessities—food, water, medicine, and electricity—has diminished drastically. Given these circumstances, many feel no inclination to engage with foreign electoral politics, with their primary focus squarely on survival. Mohammed Owaida, 33, from Khan Younis, articulated this bluntly: "We only need one thing: for this war to come to an end. We are exhausted. Whoever wins and can do just this, I support." The yearning for peace overrides party lines or candidate preferences amid the struggle for existence.
Interestingly, across the border, Israeli voters view Trump very differently. Polls indicate broad support for his candidacy among Israelis, attributed largely to the belief he has brought benefits to the country during his previous term. His pro-Israel policies, including the controversial moving of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, have ingrained the idea among many Israelis–that Trump serves their interests significantly.
Meanwhile, the Palestinians’ outlook remains grim, as many assert neither candidate—Trump nor Harris—would bring relief to their plight. Lina Rabah, 36, poignantly expressed her feelings: "American leaders see us as nothing but chess pieces on their board." This pervasive belief hints at the perceived futility of any political promises from abroad. Rabah added, "All I want is for the United States to see us as humans, not just as numbers in a long conflict."
Indeed, for many Palestinians, the issue transcends political rhetoric and promises—it boils down to daily survival against the backdrop of what seems to be their enduring suffering. Reflective of this sentiment, Rima Swaisi, a journalist from Gaza City, suggested frustration with limited expectations from American leadership: "If we have to choose between the two devils, then anyone but Trump," she noted, emphasizing hope for the Biden administration's values to remain at the forefront if Harris were to win.
Hanin Ashour, another Gazan, whose family has suffered grievous losses during the conflict, emphasized the lack of options presented by the election. "I lost four family members since the war began," she recounted bitterly, echoing the frustrations and heartache felt across the territory. She indicated the futility many feel with regard to U.S. elections and the prospects for peace under either of the leading candidates.
Clearly, the feelings of abandonment persist as the inhabitants of Gaza mirror their experiences of suffering with hopelessness about future leadership transformations. The rhetoric exchanged during the campaign has done little to assuage the fears or inspire optimism toward what life could entail post-war; instead, Americans may continue to engage with their political processes unaware of the sufferings endured by the conflict’s victims. "Whoever runs the U.S., I only hope they prioritize human life and rights, as we live this nightmare daily. We want peace, not more promises," pleaded al-Kahlout.
This reaction to Trump's election victory resonates deeply amid the harshest realities Palestinians have experienced over the recent period. Rather than optimism, the atmosphere is one of simmering uncertainty, frustration, and the tragic acknowledgment of lives lost—all encapsulated by the reality of waiting for the day when they hope to be left alone to live peacefully, free from violence.
While those across the Atlantic celebrate electoral victories, Gaza remains embroiled in turmoil with its citizens yearning for something far removed from political gamesmanship. The resounding message, articulated by multiple voices within Gaza, insists on simple humanity, empathy, and above all, the desperate necessity for peace.
