As Palestinian-American entrepreneur Jamal Zaglul stood by his olive press at the end of harvest season in the occupied West Bank, his mind was far away on next week's US election.
Like other US passport holders living in Turmus Aya -- where they form the majority -- he was sceptical the ballot would bring change to the region.
"Here we have problems. Nobody (in the US) cares about us," said the businessman in his 50s.
Violence in the West Bank -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- has surged since the Gaza October 7 war.
Zaglul spoke fondly of former US president Bill Clinton, under whose administration the landmark Oslo Accords were signed, creating arrangements between the Palestinians and Israel.
"This time we need to start changing. We have to have another party, a separate party, independents," Zaglul said. "The other ones, they're not helping us."
Fellow dual national Basim Sabri planned to vote for a third party candidate in protest after "eight years of miserable administration".
The Minnesota-based native of the northern West Bank did not mince words about the current White House occupant, calling Joe Biden a "war criminal".
He was equally critical of Biden's predecessor and current Republican contender Donald Trump, calling him a "maniac, racist".
'Overlooked'
California resident Odeh Juma, who returns to Turmus Aya several times a year, pointed bitterly to US military support for Israel.
"As Palestinians, we feel our concerns -- like ending wars globally, in Palestine or Ukraine -- are overlooked in favour of the politicians' own electoral interests," he said.
Juma planned to watch election night coverage but would not cast a ballot.
"If we don't vote now, it will highlight the importance of the Arab, Palestinian and Muslim voices for future elections," he said.
There are about 172,000 Palestinian-Americans in the United States, according to a 2022 census survey, with many from swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Thousands of Palestinian Americans live in the West Bank, a community shaken by the killings of an American and two dual citizens this year.
Fear
Juma's son Adam said "people tend to be scared to vote for anybody, and especially for Trump".
He recalled that during Trump's first presidential run, some hoped he would be "different", but he dealt numerous blows to Palestinians once elected.
Trump's administration notably broke with US precedent by declaring it did not see Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal.
These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
Adam Juma has been following the election but will not vote, believing the United States no longer influences global conflict resolution.
"It won't change anything if we vote for anybody... It's not like how it used to be," he said.
Ramallah resident Leila said she voted for Stein.
"The ongoing genocide is at the top of my mind and Harris has done absolutely nothing to win my vote in that regard," she said.
Chloe Rouveyrolles-Bazire and Hossam Ezzedine, with AFP
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