Stuck Between Two Evils: Why the West Bank Dreads the US Election Outcome
In the West Bank, the US election is watched with deep apprehension and skepticism. Palestinians like Khaled Omran believe that Trump’s victory would lead to even greater bloodshed. Having experienced the previous administration, they worry that Trump’s return would encourage increased Israeli aggression. Palestinians see Trump’s policies as a direct threat, exacerbating the struggles and violence that they endure. The possibility of another Trump term fills many with fear and frustration, as they imagine an even more turbulent future.
But for those in the West Bank, Biden is no savior either. Many Palestinians, such as Wafaa Abdel Rahman, view Biden and his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris as bearers of the same, empty promises. Wafaa believes that Biden’s administration, while speaking of peace, hasn’t taken tangible actions to end the violence. Palestinians feel that both candidates are ultimately committed to a pro-Israel stance, which leaves their suffering unaddressed. Biden’s term, to many, represents a continuation of familiar frustrations, where talk of peace seems to be just rhetoric.
The sentiment of choosing between “the devil and Satan” is common among Palestinians in the West Bank. For them, the US election presents a no-win situation, where both candidates’ policies will favor Israel at the expense of Palestinian lives. This sense of resignation pervades the community, as locals recognize that, regardless of the winner, the Palestinians’ pleas for justice may go unheard. People feel forced to watch as policies that could shape their lives unfold, without any power to influence the decision.
But for those in the West Bank, Biden is no savior either. Many Palestinians, such as Wafaa Abdel Rahman, view Biden and his vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris as bearers of the same, empty promises. Wafaa believes that Biden’s administration, while speaking of peace, hasn’t taken tangible actions to end the violence. Palestinians feel that both candidates are ultimately committed to a pro-Israel stance, which leaves their suffering unaddressed. Biden’s term, to many, represents a continuation of familiar frustrations, where talk of peace seems to be just rhetoric.
The sentiment of choosing between “the devil and Satan” is common among Palestinians in the West Bank. For them, the US election presents a no-win situation, where both candidates’ policies will favor Israel at the expense of Palestinian lives. This sense of resignation pervades the community, as locals recognize that, regardless of the winner, the Palestinians’ pleas for justice may go unheard. People feel forced to watch as policies that could shape their lives unfold, without any power to influence the decision.
However, the desire for peace remains powerful. Palestinians long for an end to the violence, a goal they feel might be more attainable with an administration that actively prioritizes diplomacy. While the Biden administration is seen as slightly more favorable, it still hasn’t shown a strong commitment to ending the conflict. Palestinians want an American leader who would take definitive steps to halt the violence. But to them, neither candidate seems willing to fulfill this hope.
The possibility of Trump’s victory is especially concerning for those who feel Netanyahu would be emboldened to impose his own terms on Gaza. Some believe that Trump would allow Israel to act without restrictions, making Netanyahu’s already powerful position even stronger. Palestinians fear that Trump’s return would enable Israel to pursue its goals aggressively, further marginalizing Palestinian voices and rights.
As the election approaches, many in the West Bank wait with low expectations, bracing for the continuation of policies that have brought years of hardship. Their wish is not necessarily for a specific leader, but for a shift in the US approach to the region. However, the likelihood of such change appears slim, leaving Palestinians to await an election result that they feel has already been decided by American policy priorities.
The possibility of Trump’s victory is especially concerning for those who feel Netanyahu would be emboldened to impose his own terms on Gaza. Some believe that Trump would allow Israel to act without restrictions, making Netanyahu’s already powerful position even stronger. Palestinians fear that Trump’s return would enable Israel to pursue its goals aggressively, further marginalizing Palestinian voices and rights.
As the election approaches, many in the West Bank wait with low expectations, bracing for the continuation of policies that have brought years of hardship. Their wish is not necessarily for a specific leader, but for a shift in the US approach to the region. However, the likelihood of such change appears slim, leaving Palestinians to await an election result that they feel has already been decided by American policy priorities.
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