SpaceX’s Starlink will be deployed to support communication links with internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza amid the Israeli-Palestinian war, according to owner, Elon Musk.
Sources say people in the Gaza Strip where the war is hitting hard have been isolated from the world and from each other due to telephone and internet blackout with many unable to put a call through to loved ones, ambulances or colleagues.
International humanitarian organizations have described the blackout as one worsening an already desperate situation, impeding life-saving operations and preventing contact with their staff on the ground at the battle front.
Musk, in a post on social media platform X and Israel’s communication minister Shlomo Karhi vowed that Israel would fight the move with all means at its disposal.
Responding to Musk’s post on X, Karhi said Hamas could take the advantage of the Starlink connection to strengthen their terrorist activities.
“Perhaps Musk would be willing to condition it with the release of our abducted babies, sons, daughters, and elderly people. All of them! By then, my office will cut any ties with Starlink.” the communication minister wrote.
There are concerns on how SpaceX would ensure that Starlink connections were used by aid organizations and not by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, domiciled in Gaza Strip.