Millions of people living under direct Israeli control across the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Disenfranchised Millions Face Rising Animosity Ahead of October Vote
Millions of people living under direct Israeli control across the Occupied Palestinian Territory have no vote in the October 27, 2026 Israeli parliamentary elections. Human rights advocates warn that political campaigns are actively exploiting anti-Palestinian sentiment as the ballot approaches. Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director for research, policy, advocacy and campaigns, stated that Palestinians have little reason to expect the upcoming vote to deliver positive human rights change.
Candidates Use Dehumanizing Rhetoric Against Palestinians
Electoral candidates across the political spectrum have used dehumanizing rhetoric against Palestinians. In statements reported by Amnesty International, candidates have promised to further entrench Israel’s annexation measures in the West Bank and threatened further devastation in the Gaza Strip. Amnesty International highlighted that politicians pushed for the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and chairperson of the Tajammou’ (Balad) party, demonstrating disregard for freedom of association and expression.
Displacements, Demolitions, and Conflict Spillover
Across the West Bank and illegally annexed East Jerusalem, Israel continues displacing families and demolishing homes. Military restrictions on Palestinian farmers and rising state-driven settler attacks have transformed the olive harvest into a season of severe hardship. In the Gaza Strip, a year after a ceasefire, killings of Palestinian civilians continue amid expanded access-restricted zones and delayed reconstruction. Meanwhile, Israeli military attacks and destruction of civilian property have extended into Lebanon and Syria, displacing tens of thousands of civilians near the southern Lebanese border.
Calls for International Action and Suspensions
Human rights advocates are urging the international community to increase pressure on any incoming government to stop military actions in Gaza, dismantle apartheid systems, and end the occupation of Palestinian territory. According to Amnesty International, states must take immediate action by suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, imposing an arms embargo, and ending cooperation that maintains the unlawful occupation. Millions of people in the region remain impacted by these policies without any representation in the electoral process determining their future.