The long-awaited vote is being seen as both a civic milestone and a key political test in the Palestinian territory .

Preparations are underway for municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, one of Gaza’s least damaged cities. 

Organized by the Palestinian Authority alongside West Bank polls, the vote is seen as a sign of Palestinian unity.

 It will be Gaza’s first election since 2006. 

Although Hamas is not contesting, it has pledged to support a peaceful process. 

Around 70,thousand voters are expected to participate across 12 polling stations.