Palestinian Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Ishaq Sadr asserted that Israeli authorities have not reconnected manually disconnected mobile and internet services in the Gaza Strip, despite ongoing oversight and calls from international organizations. This update was reported by RIA News, and it underscores the urgent humanitarian implications for civilians relying on basic connectivity in times of crisis.
According to the minister, it is now confirmed that cellular communications and internet access in Gaza were deliberately interrupted by the Israeli side through manual intervention. The ongoing disruption has significant consequences for residents, aid workers, and local institutions that depend on reliable networks for coordinating relief and accessing critical information.
He stressed that international pressure must be increased and sustained to compel Israel to restore full communication and internet services in Gaza. Restoring connectivity is framed as essential for Palestinian citizens to participate in aid operations, receive updates on safety conditions, and communicate with families during emergencies.
In Sadr’s view, this action constitutes a serious offense described as a “heinous crime” that he characterizes as falling within the broader category of crimes against humanity. The statement reflects the gravity with which local authorities view the impact of disconnection on civilian life, security, and access to humanitarian assistance.
Separately, billionaire Elon Musk indicated that his company, Starlink, is seeking collaboration with internationally recognized organizations to support aid efforts in Gaza. The initiative aims to provide satellite connectivity to areas where traditional communications infrastructure is compromised or nonfunctional, enabling responders to coordinate relief more effectively.
On October 28, reports indicated that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) was negotiating with SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, to restore communications in Gaza through Starlink’s satellite network. This potential collaboration would supplement ground-based networks and help ensure that residents and aid organizations remain connected during critical operations.
Historically, commentators describe the persistence of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as periodically flaring due to a combination of territorial disputes, security concerns, and governance challenges. The current discourse highlights how communication outages intersect with political dynamics, humanitarian access, and the lives of ordinary people living in besieged or contested areas. (Citation: RIA News; SpaceX communications initiatives cited by corporate press statements and policy briefings)