Israel’s Minister of Communication, Shiomo Karhi, said on Saturday, October 28, 2023, that Israel will do everything in its power to oppose billionaire Elon Musk’s decision to provide internet to Gaza using his satellite-based communication system, Starlink.
“Israel will use all means they have to counter Musk’s decision,” Karhi said, accusing the Palestinian group Hamas of potentially using it in their activities, as reported by Anadolu on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
“My office will sever all ties with Starlink,” Karhi stated.
This statement was made after billionaire and Tesla owner Elon Musk, the CEO, announced that Starlink would expand its services to “internationally recognized aid organizations” in the Gaza Strip after Israel severed the communication networks, leading to a total power outage in the besieged enclave on Friday night, October 27, 2023.
Communication and internet services in the Gaza Strip were completely disrupted amid Israel’s heavy bombardment of the feeders, towers, and networks, according to the Palestinian Telecommunications Company.
Earlier on Saturday, October 28, 2023, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that his satellite-based communication system, Starlink, would expand its services to “internationally recognized aid organizations” in the Gaza Strip.
Musk made this announcement after Israel severed the communication networks, causing a complete blackout in the besieged area on Friday night.
On the X platform, Musk said, “Starlink will support communication connections for internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.”
A few hours later, Musk tweeted on X again, saying, “We will support the UN and other internationally recognized aid groups.”
Previously, Musk had discussions with activists and X platform officials regarding their concerns about the blackout of all internet and telecommunications networks in the Gaza Strip and the consequences of this blackout, especially for healthcare and UN operations.
Meanwhile, as they prepare to expand their ground military operations in Gaza, the Israeli Ministry of Communication stated that they have initiated official talks with Musk’s company, SpaceX, to provide Starlink services as a backup if other systems fail in Israel.
The Israeli Ministry stated that this step will ensure that cities on the front lines of the Gaza border and war zone will continue to receive internet services.
