Imminent Communication Crisis in Gaza: Minister Warns of Internet Shutdown

Palestine’s Minister of Telecommunications and IT, Ishaq Sidr, has issued a stark warning that the Gaza Strip faces a complete halt of communications and internet services by Thursday. The impending interruption is attributed to the depletion of fuel supplies, intensifying the ongoing humanitarian crisis by impeding Palestinians’ access to emergency and relief services.

Sidr expressed concern that the outage could hinder the coordination of Civil Defense and Red Crescent teams, potentially leading to a loss of lives and depriving the people of Gaza of their right to communicate, particularly amid displacement and continuous bombing. The minister condemned these developments as a violation of international law and basic human rights.

In southern Gaza, intermittent internet access remains, but the broader implications of a communication blackout heighten the challenges faced by residents. Since October 11, the Gaza Strip has been plunged into an electricity blackout, exacerbated by Israel’s cessation of electricity supply and the continued ban on fuel entry needed to operate essential equipment.