Hamas said it was not participating in the municipal elections in Deir al-Balah, set for this weekend. Residents said it was a long-awaited opportunity to address the city’s problems

The demand reflects both the U.S. administration’s eagerness to secure a lasting cease-fire in Gaza and its growing impatience with the Palestinian militant group.

The new war has led to panic buying and a surge in food prices for Gazans as they try to recover from Israel’s two-year offensive against Hamas.