A Divisive Choice: How Gaza Views Trump vs. Biden on the US Ballot
The upcoming US election is a matter of survival for many in Gaza. People like Ammar Joudeh view Trump’s potential return to office as disastrous, given his previous term’s impact on the Palestinian cause. Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and support for normalization with Arab countries increased tensions in Gaza. Many in the region fear that Trump’s policies would displace them to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, completing a plan that some believe is already underway to remove Palestinians from northern Gaza. With the US election looming, people like Ammar are filled with a profound sense of uncertainty.
Adding to the despair, Biden’s presidency has left Gazans feeling abandoned. While Biden has occasionally called for an end to the conflict, many in Gaza see his administration’s response as merely rhetorical. People like Tahani Arafat express frustration, believing that Biden could have pressed harder to stop the violence if he genuinely cared. Instead, they argue, Biden has allowed the conflict to rage on while Israel receives steadfast US military support. For Gazans, Biden’s term is often described as an era of hollow promises.
Life in Gaza remains filled with daily hardships, compounded by US policies that are perceived as favoring Israel. Many struggle with limited access to essentials such as water, food, and safe shelter, and they fear that these conditions will worsen depending on the US election outcome. For those living under constant threat, as shared by residents like Ammar and Tahani, every day is filled with sadness, yet they endure. They view the upcoming election not as a question of partisanship but as a matter that could shape their future for better or worse.
While hope may seem out of reach, some Gazans still cling to the possibility that American citizens might push for change. For residents like Imad al-Dayah from the Shati refugee camp, the request is simple: support an immediate end to the conflict, regardless of who wins. Imad describes Trump’s previous term as a disaster for Gaza, and he dreads the possibility of Trump’s return. However, he also knows that achieving peace doesn’t hinge on one person alone; it’s a shift in policy that Gazans desire.
To most Gazans, the choice between Biden and Trump feels like choosing between two harmful options, albeit in different ways. Both candidates are seen as supporters of Israel, with varying degrees of intensity. Some locals feel helpless as they watch the US election unfold, knowing that their voices will not impact the vote but fearing that the result could dramatically alter their lives. This sense of powerlessness adds to the region’s already heavy burdens.
Ultimately, Gazans hope the world remembers their ongoing suffering. The US election represents a critical turning point for them, though it is a choice beyond their control. Their perspective is clear: they don’t expect American leaders to resolve all their problems, but they plead for a world that will see their struggles and recognize their right to peace and security.
