Elon Musk recently announced that SpaceX’s Starlink will provide communication support to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza. However, this move has been met with resistance from Israel’s communication minister. Musk clarified that it is unclear who has authority for ground links in Gaza and stated that no terminal has requested a connection in that area.
On Saturday, a telephone and internet blackout isolated people in the Gaza Strip from the rest of the world and from each other. This blackout has exacerbated an already desperate situation, hindering life-saving operations and preventing contact with humanitarian organizations’ staff on the ground.
International humanitarian organizations have expressed their concerns about the situation. They highlight that the blackout is impeding their work and making it difficult to provide assistance to those in need.
SpaceX has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment regarding how they will ensure that Starlink connections are used solely by aid organizations and not by Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group in control of Gaza.
Israel’s communication minister, Shlomo Karhi, responded to Musk’s post on social media. Karhi stated that Israel will use all available means to oppose this move, as Hamas could potentially exploit the Starlink connection for terrorist activities. He also suggested that Musk condition the support with the release of abducted individuals in Gaza.
It is worth noting that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Starlink satellites played a crucial role in maintaining internet connectivity in affected areas despite Russian jamming attempts. However, Musk has previously made it clear that he refused to extend coverage over Russian-occupied Crimea, as he did not want his satellites to be involved in Ukrainian attacks on Russian forces.