Gaza Experiences Another Communications Outage, Foreign Nationals and Injured Prepare for Exit

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Communications infrastructure in Gaza experienced yet another interruption on Wednesday, leading to a several-hour outage of internet and telephone services amidst an ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas. Concurrently, a significant number of individuals holding foreign passports gathered at a border checkpoint, in anticipation of what may be the first sanctioned exit from the embattled Palestinian territory since Israel imposed a comprehensive blockade.

Communications gradually resumed following this second recent blackout, a disruption that aid organizations say severely impedes their humanitarian operations in a rapidly deteriorating environment. Lethal airstrikes, one of which razed residential structures in a refugee camp near Gaza City, have led to the displacement of numerous residents, and there is a noticeable shortage of essential supplies.

Since Israel enforced a complete blockade following a militant incursion on October 7, exit from Gaza has been restricted, with the exception of four individuals who were released by Hamas. However, on Wednesday an agreement seemed to have been reached. The Palestinian border authority announced that over 400 foreign nationals would be allowed to proceed to Egypt, along with a number of injured individuals. Egypt has stated that it will not welcome a large-scale inflow of Palestinian refugees due to concerns that they will not be permitted re-entry into Gaza post-conflict.

At the Rafah crossing point—the only functioning border crossing at present—crowds were visible, and ambulances were seen exiting on the Egyptian side. According to Egypt’s Health Ministry, more than 80 injured Palestinians will be admitted for medical treatment, and a field hospital has been established in an Egyptian town close to the border.

The Palestinian telecommunications firm Paltel reported that internet and mobile services were incrementally being restored after a “total disruption.” Earlier blackouts had occurred as Israeli forces escalated their activities within Gaza. Internet access watchdog NetBlocks.org ascribed both interruptions to “measures implemented by Israel.” The group’s director, Alp Toker, noted that current service levels are significantly below those prior to the conflict.

The International Committee of the Red Cross stressed that communication blackouts considerably hamper civilians’ ability to seek refuge. Jessica Moussan, an ICRC spokesperson, highlighted the life-threatening implications of not being able to call for emergency medical services.

Statistics from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that the conflict has resulted in the death of more than 8,500 Palestinians, predominantly women and minors, and left over 21,000 injured. Meanwhile, the Israeli death toll stands at over 1,400, mostly civilians, which is also an unparalleled number.

On the military front, Israel confirmed that nine soldiers have been killed in northern Gaza, bringing the total military fatalities to 11 since the beginning of ground operations.

Both sides in the conflict continue to suffer as Israel advances into densely populated areas of Gaza City, targeting Hamas’ military infrastructure. An estimated 800,000 Palestinians have moved southward, complying with Israeli evacuation orders, but many still remain in northern areas.

Since the conflict began, Gaza has been under a strict blockade, leading to acute shortages of essential goods. Although Israel has permitted over 200 trucks carrying aid to enter from Egypt, humanitarian workers argue that this is insufficient.

The situation is further exacerbated by Israel’s embargo on fuel imports, resulting in electrical blackouts and jeopardizing hospital operations. Israel has expressed its intention to dismantle Hamas’ governing capabilities, but has not clarified its post-conflict governance plans for Gaza.

In a Congressional hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that a revitalized Palestinian Authority could potentially take over governance and security responsibilities in Gaza, a suggestion that faces numerous obstacles given the current political climate.

The ongoing conflict also poses a risk of escalating hostilities on other fronts, involving entities such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed groups in Syria.

This report includes contributions from Magdy in Cairo, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Amy Teibel in Jerusalem.

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More about Gaza Communications Blackout

• Gaza Conflict Overview
• Aid Agencies in Gaza
• NetBlocks.org Report on Gaza’s Internet Disruption
• Red Cross Statement on Gaza
• Gaza Health Ministry Statistics
• U.S. Congressional Testimony by Secretary of State Antony Blinken
• Israel-Hamas Conflict Timeline
• Palestinian Authority and Governance Issues