internet and phone services collapsing: The situation in Gaza is dire, with the internet and phone services collapsing under the relentless Israeli bombardment. The blackout has largely cut off the 2.3 million people in Gaza from the outside world and each other, leaving them isolated and huddled in homes and shelters with food and water supplies running out. The Palestinian telecom provider, Paltel, has confirmed that the “complete disruption” is due to bombardment.
The Red Crescent has reported that it cannot reach its medical teams, and residents can no longer call ambulances, meaning rescuers will have to chase the sound of explosions to find those wounded from strikes 1. International aid groups have said they were only able to reach a few staff using satellite phones
Internet and phone services collapsed, and relatives outside Gaza are panicking after their messaging chats with families inside suddenly went dead and calls stopped going through. Wafaa Abdul Rahman, director of a feminist organization based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, said she hadn’t heard for hours from family in central Gaza and expressed her fear of what could happen during this total blackout.
It is a difficult time for the people of Gaza, and we hope that the situation improves soon.