In a post on social media platform X, the SpaceX CEO said it was unclear who was coordinating ground communications in Gaza, but that so far “there are no stations requesting connection in the area.”
After Israel launched an air and ground attack on the Gaza Strip, the loss of telephone and Internet communications left people in the area completely isolated, unable to contact relatives, call ambulances or colleagues outside.
International humanitarian organizations said the power outage began late Friday (October 27), making the situation worse for humanitarian relief operations on the ground.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization and other agencies, along with several independent humanitarian organizations, said they had lost contact with staff in the area.
Aid workers believe that Israel has deliberately cut off Gaza’s communications. “The Israeli authorities have cut off landline, mobile and internet communications, severely affecting essential emergency medical services,” the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said on social media X.
Meanwhile, media outlets are also struggling to maintain regular communication. Reuters said it was increasingly concerned about the safety of its staff, while reporting comprehensively on the ongoing conflict was becoming difficult.
SpaceX has not said how it will ensure Starlink connections are used only for humanitarian purposes, while Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said the country “will use all available means to counter this move” as the internet service could be used by terrorist organizations.
During the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Elon Musk's internet satellites proved instrumental in maintaining communications in crisis zones, despite third-party attempts at interference.
However, the billionaire businessman has refused to extend coverage to Crimea, an area under Moscow's control, and has banned the use of satellite Internet connections for military purposes.
(According to Reuters)
Starlink 'dominating' the sky causes many concerns
Starlink has more than 42,000 satellites in orbit, more than any other satellite internet provider.
Japanese military considers using Starlink satellite internet
The Japanese military is testing billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service with the goal of deploying the technology next year.
Secret project to take down Starlink system in Ukraine
The secret project uses a satellite anti-interference system, which is believed to have been used to target the Starlink satellite internet network in Ukraine.
Source
Comment (0)