As Gaza faces a communication blackout due to Israel’s intensified bombardment, tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced that his satellite-based communications system, Starlink, will help restore connections for aid organizations operating in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Israel’s attacks knocked out communication lines in Gaza City, leaving 2.3 million people cut off from the outside world. The blackout has not only caused panic among residents unable to contact loved ones but has also severely affected humanitarian organizations operating in the region. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees and the World Health Organization lost contact with their staff and facilities.
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US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted this crisis on social media, prompting Elon Musk to offer his support. In response, Musk stated that Starlink would provide connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, is known as the “world’s first and largest satellite constellation using low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls, and more.” It leverages advanced satellites to offer high-speed, low-latency internet access to users worldwide.
Previously, Israel had reportedly discussed using Starlink services for wartime communications with SpaceX, although SpaceX did not comment on the matter.
