Tech billionaire Elon Musk has offered nationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza the use of his Starlink satellite internet service. This comes as millions in the region have been cut off from communications due to the ongoing conflict.
Musk stated on his social media platform that none of the terrestrial terminals in Gaza have attempted to communicate with the satellite service, but he assured that his company, SpaceX, would support communications for aid organizations in the region. He specifically mentioned that SpaceX will support communication links with internationally recognized aid organizations and the United Nations.
It is worth noting that this move is reminiscent of Musk’s promise to provide Starlink access and equipment to Ukraine during the country’s conflict with Russia last year. However, his stance on the usage of his communications technology changed over time due to mounting costs and concerns about its role in military offensives.
The Gaza Strip, which is occupied by the terrorist organization Hamas, has been heavily targeted by bombardments from the Israeli Defense Force, resulting in a complete communications blackout. This lack of viable communication has left Palestinian civilians without a means to call for aid and has paralyzed health networks, according to Palestinian officials.
The death toll in Palestine has risen to over 7,700, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Israeli officials have declared that the war in Gaza has entered a new phase as bombings continue and ground operations are expanded.
Elon Musk’s offer of assistance through his Starlink satellite internet service could potentially provide a lifeline to aid organizations in Gaza during this critical time.
