Gazans Express Despair: No Hope for End to War Regardless of Election Outcome
- The conflict in Gaza has intensified since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and devastation.
- Gazans have little access to basic necessities, causing them to prioritize survival over following U.S. political developments.
- Residents express a general skepticism towards both American presidential candidates, emphasizing their shared wish for an end to the ongoing war.
In the wake of ongoing conflict, many Gazans are primarily concerned with survival as the war continues to devastate their lives. The violence escalated sharply after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which prompted severe Israeli retaliation that has resulted in over 43,000 deaths in Gaza according to local authorities. Basic necessities such as food, electricity, and medical care are scarce, pushing the population to the brink of famine. As the American presidential election approaches, Gazans express disillusionment with U.S. politics, viewing both leading candidates—Kamala Harris and Donald J. Trump—with skepticism regarding their potential impact on the situation in Gaza. Many residents feel that neither candidate offers a viable path to peace or improvement in their conditions. Abdul Kareem al-Kahlout, a math teacher, articulated the sentiment that both candidates reflect a continuity of U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, which many in Gaza consider exacerbating their plight. This perspective is widespread among Gazans, many of whom simply wish for the war to end, regardless of who leads the U.S. The stark reality faced by those in Gaza highlights their urgent desire for peace over political considerations, illustrating how deeply the conflict has affected their perception of international politics and leadership in the United States.