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Starlink to Facilitate Communication for Aid Organizations in Gaza amidst Conflict

Published October 29, 2023
1 years ago

In an ambitious move, Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX's Starlink, has announced their intention to establish communication links in the conflict-stricken Gaza strip. By providing much-needed internet access, they aim to support “internationally recognized aid organizations," according to a statement Musk made via social media platform X on Saturday.


This initiative comes in the wake of massive communication blackouts that have hit Gaza, rendering the populace isolated from the world and each other. These blackouts have made calls to necessary services, like ambulances or other vital contacts, nearly impossible as Israel expands its air and ground assault in the region.


International humanitarian organizations expressed their concerns, stating that the blackout, which began on Friday, worsens an already dire situation by hindering life-saving operations and obstructing contact with their staff working on the ground.


There is, however, the question of how SpaceX can guarantee that the Starlink connection will exclusively serve aid organizations and not be exploited by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling the Gaza Strip.


Responding to the announcement, Israel's communication minister, Shlomo Karhi, voiced strong opposition. He warned that Israel might take measures to fight this move, citing fears that "Hamas will use it for terrorist activities.” He passionately suggested that Musk consider requiring the release of Israeli abductees as a condition for the service.


Musk's Starlink, has previously displayed its crisis-response capacities by providing crucial internet connectivity in Ukraine during the Russian invasion in February 2022. However, Elon Musk has also shown restraint when it comes to its services, declining to extend coverage over Russian-occupied Crimea to prevent potential misuse.



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