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Under a communication blackout, Gaza’s 2.3 million people are cut off from each other and the world

by Andrew Wright
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Humanitarian Crisis

In Gaza, amid a total communications shutdown, the 2.3 million inhabitants are isolated from each other and the external world. On Thursday, the entire Gaza Strip experienced a collapse of internet and telephone services due to a fuel shortage, as stated by the primary Palestinian provider. This situation emerges as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas, hinting at a possible shift in focus towards the south where the majority of the populace has sought shelter.

For the second consecutive day, Israeli forces inspected the northern Shifa Hospital for Hamas activity. They showcased what they claimed to be a tunnel entry and arms discovered in a truck within the premises. However, proof of a central Hamas command center alleged to be hidden under the hospital complex has not been provided by the military. Both Hamas and the hospital staff, at Gaza’s largest hospital, refute these claims.

The military reported finding the remains of Yehudit Weiss, a 65-year-old hostage held by Hamas, near Shifa Hospital. In the same vicinity, they also located assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. The cause of Weiss’s death was not disclosed.

This communication blackout exacerbates the already severe humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza, particularly with ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The World Food Program has expressed concern over an immediate risk of starvation in Gaza due to the breakdown of the food supply, compounded by Israel’s blockade and limited aid from Egypt.

The ongoing war, now in its sixth week, was initiated by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 240 individuals. Weiss is the third confirmed deceased hostage. Israel’s response included an air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, aimed at dismantling Hamas’s power and military capabilities.

Palestinian health authorities report over 11,470 Palestinian deaths, two-thirds being women and minors, with an additional 2,700 missing and presumed buried under rubble. Israel contends that it has eliminated thousands of militants, though the official count does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

The conflict has also heightened tensions in the West Bank, where Palestinian gunmen attacked a checkpoint, resulting in casualties. The assailants, claimed by Hamas, were neutralized by police.

Israeli forces continue to scrutinize Shifa Hospital, causing significant operational challenges due to power outages. The hospital struggles to maintain life-saving treatments for numerous patients, including premature babies and dialysis patients, amidst these conditions.

In recent developments, Israel has portrayed Shifa Hospital as a major Hamas stronghold, supporting its claims with satellite imagery and computer animations. The U.S. has indicated it possesses intelligence corroborating Israel’s assertions.

Israel maintains that Hamas’s strategy of using civilians as human shields throughout Gaza is a key factor in the high number of civilian casualties. This accusation forms part of Israel’s broader narrative in the conflict.

As the military consolidates control in the north, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated that operations may extend to the south. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have urged evacuations in certain southern areas, with aerial strikes continuing in the region. The plight of displaced civilians remains a pressing concern, especially with limited evacuation options and the onset of winter.

The World Food Program highlights the dire food situation, exacerbated by the communications breakdown. The collapse of food supply chains and scarcity of essential items like bread are critical issues facing the Gaza population.

For complete coverage, visit https://bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza Blackout

What caused the communication blackout in Gaza?

The communication blackout in Gaza was caused by a collapse of internet and telephone services due to a fuel shortage, as reported by the main Palestinian provider. This situation has isolated Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants from each other and the external world.

What are the key developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict?

The conflict, now in its sixth week, was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 civilian deaths and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Israel responded with an air campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s power and military strength.

How has the conflict affected healthcare in Gaza?

The conflict has severely impacted healthcare in Gaza, especially at Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest. The hospital has been without electricity for nearly a week, hindering the treatment of patients, including premature babies and dialysis patients. The Israeli military has also been searching the hospital for Hamas activities.

What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with the World Food Program warning of an immediate risk of starvation due to the breakdown of the food supply, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade and limited aid from Egypt. Overcrowded shelters, lack of clean water, and the upcoming winter pose significant challenges.

How has the conflict impacted other regions?

The conflict has heightened tensions in the West Bank, where Palestinian gunmen recently attacked a checkpoint, resulting in casualties. The war has also caused a large displacement of civilians within Gaza, with many seeking shelter in U.N. facilities or with other families.

More about Gaza Blackout

  • Gaza Communication Blackout
  • Israel-Hamas Conflict Details
  • Gaza Healthcare Crisis
  • Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
  • Tensions in the West Bank
  • Civilian Displacement in Gaza

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