Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi criticized American billionaire Elon Musk after Musk said Starlink would support the Gaza Strip. The report came via TASS and sparked a rapid response from officials in Jerusalem. Karhi questioned whether Musk would be willing to commit to freeing kidnapped civilians and urged that the resolution involve all affected families, including children and the elderly. The comment outlined the high emotional stakes and the broad demand for concrete action rather than symbolic gestures.
Earlier, Musk stated that Starlink satellite services would be provided to internationally recognized aid organizations operating in Gaza. This pledge described a logistical vision in which fast, reliable communications could bolster humanitarian relief efforts, coordinate aid deliveries, and improve safety for workers on the ground. The emphasis centered on enabling essential connectivity in a crisis zone where traditional infrastructure has been severely hampered.
Ahead of that, Yitzhak Sadr, the Palestinian National Authority Minister of Communications, indicated negotiations with SpaceX to restore communications in Gaza via Starlink satellites. The minister claimed cooperation had been secured, positioning Starlink as a potential key partner for restoring information flow and emergency communication across the enclave. The development reflected the broader geopolitical context in which telecommunications and humanitarian access intersect with political aims and regional stability.
Starlink is a SpaceX initiative aimed at building a global, satellite-based network intended to deliver high-speed Internet virtually anywhere on Earth. The project envisions a large constellation of satellites that can provide coverage in remote areas, disaster zones, and places where conventional broadband infrastructure does not reach, potentially transforming how communities connect in crisis situations.
In related remarks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant referenced a response to Gaza that he described as unprecedented and impactful. He suggested that the actions and policies connected to the Gaza situation would be remembered for decades, signaling a long-term strategic posture and the enduring political ramifications tied to rapid developments in the region’s security landscape.