Internet and Landline Services Down in Gaza Amid Israeli Strikes
▼ Summary
– Fixed internet and landline services in Gaza and North Gaza Governorates have been disrupted due to the Israeli military offensive that began on October 7, 2023.
– The outage was caused by targeting of key infrastructure routes, and Paltel is working to restore services despite severe risks.
– The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor warned of an imminent collapse of Gaza’s telecommunications and internet networks from deliberate attacks and fuel shortages.
– The organization stated that these actions are part of a systematic Israeli policy to sever Gaza’s lifeline.
– Israeli forces have cut off Gaza’s communications over 12 times in 23 months, with multiple outages occurring since the latest escalation due to bombardments and fuel depletion.
A major disruption has severed fixed internet and landline services across the Gaza Strip and North Gaza Governorates, following sustained military operations. The Palestinian Telecommunications Company, widely known as Paltel, confirmed the outage on Wednesday, linking it directly to damage along critical infrastructure routes caused by ongoing strikes.
According to an official statement, Paltel’s technical teams are attempting to restore connectivity despite operating in extremely hazardous conditions. The company emphasized that repair efforts are underway continuously, though the persistent military activity and infrastructure damage present significant obstacles to a swift resolution.
This incident aligns with earlier alerts from the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, which warned of an impending total collapse of telecommunications in the region. The organization pointed to systematic attacks on communication infrastructure and a deepening energy crisis, with power stations nearing shutdown due to severe fuel shortages. Such conditions, they argue, effectively cut off essential lines of communication for civilians and aid groups.
Historical data underscores a troubling pattern: over the past 23 months, Israeli military operations have interrupted Gaza’s communication networks on more than a dozen occasions. Each outage has hampered emergency response and humanitarian operations, leaving vulnerable populations further isolated. Since the escalation of hostilities earlier this month, repeated service failures have been reported, exacerbated by intense bombardment and the exhaustion of backup generator fuel.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
