Israeli Strikes Kill Five in Gaza After Knesset Vote as Palestinians Expect Little Change

Israeli strikes and gunfire across Gaza killed at least five Palestinians and wounded 32 on Wednesday, the day after Israel's Knesset election, medical sources told Anadolu Agency. A drone strike in the al-Mawasi area of Rafah killed at least three and injured 15. Sources said it hit a Gaza government checkpoint monitoring commercial trucks entering through Kerem Shalom, while WAFA reported it hit an Economy Ministry facility where officials and trader representatives were processing transactions. In Khan Younis, a drone strike on a rooftop killed 33-year-old Mohammed Alyan al-Bayouk and injured three others, including an elderly woman. In the Jabalia refugee camp, gunfire killed Mahmoud Samih al-Harsh, 28. Gaza's Health Ministry said Israeli forces killed one person in the previous 24 hours and two others died of earlier wounds, including six-year-old Tihani Mohammad Saeed Shalalfeh. The attacks continue despite a ceasefire deal. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank largely expect no major change from the election, though some residents of Khan Younis hope anyone but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forms the next government.

The Washington Times (right) leads with Khan Younis residents following the results closely and hoping to unseat Netanyahu, noting that airstrikes remain regular despite the ceasefire. Its framing centers on Gazans' political hopes. MS NOW (left) takes a policy angle: Netanyahu and his rivals differ on much, but not on keeping up the occupation, so the vote will change nothing for Palestinians. Both agree the ceasefire has not stopped violence or brought a clear prospect of change, but the right focuses on hope for Netanyahu's removal while the left says no outcome alters Palestinian conditions. Antiwar.com adds distinct casualty names, local sources and details of the Rafah strike, and The Times of Israel adds Palestinian voices split between fears of more destruction and hopes things could improve.