Communications blackout and spiraling hunger compound misery in Gaza Strip as war enters 11th week

The communication blackout in the Gaza Strip was caused by a disruption in internet and telephone lines, which went down on Thursday evening and remained inaccessible on Saturday morning. This blackout was the result of damage to telecommunications lines in the south of Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.

The communication blackout has hampered aid deliveries and rescue efforts in Gaza. With internet and telephone lines down, coordination and communication for aid organizations have become extremely challenging. This has slowed down the distribution of essential supplies and services to those in need and made rescue operations more difficult.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as a spiraling crisis. The ongoing conflict has displaced a significant portion of the population, with many people seeking shelter in the south. The United Nations’ World Food Program has reported a surge in the number of displaced households experiencing severe hunger, particularly in areas where aid has been unable to enter.

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, before the communication blackout, the conflict had resulted in more than 18,700 Palestinian casualties. However, it’s important to note that the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths in its count. The exact number of civilian casualties, including women and minors, is not specified in this report.

The United States, as Israel’s closest ally, has expressed concerns about civilian casualties and the future of Gaza. While they have called for the reduction of civilian casualties and increased aid access, the U.S. has continued to support Israel with weapons shipments and diplomatic backing. U.S. officials have also engaged in discussions with Israeli leaders regarding a timetable for ending the intense combat phase of the conflict and increasing aid deliveries to Gaza.