Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. across the occupied West Bank, including in Al‑Bireh near Ramallah, as Palestinians voted in municipal elections widely seen as one of the few remaining forms of civic participation. Nearly 1.5 million people were eligible, according to the Central Elections Commission. The ballot will determine local councils responsible for services such as water, sanitation and infrastructure, but is taking place under Israeli occupation and pervasive movement restrictions.