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Palestinians in Gaza await US election with hope, skepticism: Harris favored over Trump

Between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Palestinians in Gaza seem to favor the Democratic candidate, as they have not forgotten Trump’s policies and positions favoring Israel during his term in office.

Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during a campaign rally on Oct. 28, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Democratic presidential nominee, US Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks during a campaign rally on Oct. 28, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. — Brandon Bell/Getty Images

DEIR EL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinians in Gaza have been following with keen interest the US electoral race, which isn't a surprise considering that the election results will likely impact the fate of Israel's ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the renewed efforts by Egypt, United States and Qatar to secure a cease-fire deal, few believe that the war will end before a new administration is sworn in on Jan. 20. 

“We have no hope that the war will end during Biden’s term of office. Mohamed Qassas, 41, who was displaced from Gaza City to the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, told Al-Monitor.

Qassas would rather see US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris win the election “because of her stance that is in favor of the Palestinians. She supports an end to the war on Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state, and rejects Israel re-occupation of Gaza — unlike [Republican candidate and former President] Donald Trump, who favored Israel while in office.”

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