Gaza City – In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has effectively cut off the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, from the outside world by knocking out internet and communication services. This move comes as the Israeli military announced the “expansion” of its ground operations in the besieged territory.
The blackout of information and communication is exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, further isolating its residents who are already grappling with the devastating effects of weeks of conflict. The near-complete loss of communication has made it extremely challenging to track the evolving situation on the ground, including casualties from the airstrikes and details of ground operations.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that, since the October 7 attack, the Gaza Strip has witnessed a staggering toll, with at least 7,326 people killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes. Tragically, the majority of those killed are civilians, including a heartbreaking figure of 3,038 children.
The continuous violence has pushed Gaza’s infrastructure and services to the brink, with power shortages, lack of clean water, and the destruction of essential facilities. The blackout of communication services is further hampering the flow of information related to critical needs, including emergency medical services, humanitarian relief efforts, and the availability of food and clean water.
With the population already struggling in darkness due to electricity shortages, this added layer of isolation has left many Gazans in a state of uncertainty, with their access to the outside world severely limited.
The escalation of ground operations by the Israeli military underscores the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the dire need for a ceasefire. International voices have grown louder in calling for an end to the violence, expressing grave concerns about the suffering of civilians and the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
As the situation in Gaza remains extremely volatile, the international community is watching closely and urging all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of the civilian population in the midst of this ongoing conflict.