Palestinians in West Bank Remain Voiceless as Israelis Vote on Oct. 27

Israel maintains full military and civil authority over Area C, which covers about 60% of the West Bank, limiting Palestinians' ability to build homes, schools, or infrastructure. On Oct. 27, Israelis will elect a new government, but almost three million Palestinians living under occupation will be excluded from the ballot, while about 700,000 settlers in illegal outposts will vote. Atallah al-Jahalin, representing the Bedouin village of Jabal al-Baba, says Palestinians are treated as non-existent and lack democratic rights.

The community, home to roughly 450 people, has endured over 100 demolition operations in recent years, with building permits routinely denied. Meanwhile, settlement expansion, including the controversial E1 project, continues unabated, threatening further displacement of Bedouin communities.