Internet and Telephone Services Cut in Gaza Strip as Israel’s Bombardment Continues
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has taken a toll on the Gaza Strip, with internet and telephone services being cut off. As Israel’s bombardment intensifies, more Palestinian lives are being lost.
Loss of Telecom Services in Gaza Strip
The Palestinian telecommunications company, Paltel, announced the loss of all telecom services in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing offensive. This blackout further isolates the already devastated region, making communication and access to information even more challenging for its residents.
Israel’s Relentless Bombardment
Israel has continued its relentless bombardment of Gaza, despite international criticism. The situation has been exacerbated by a surge in deadly diseases among displaced residents. Israel’s defense minister warned that the war with Hamas, the Palestinian group governing Gaza, would last “more than several months.” This statement came during a meeting with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Tel Aviv.
International Support Eroding for Israel
US President Joe Biden recently expressed concern over Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza, stating that it was eroding international support. The war, which has now entered its third month, began after Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7. In response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched a military offensive that has left large parts of Gaza in ruins.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The impact of the conflict on the civilian population in Gaza has been devastating. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 18,787 people, mostly women and children, have been killed. In the southern city of Khan Younis, residents are left sifting through rubble with shovels and their bare hands after airstrikes. The desperation is palpable as survivors search for loved ones trapped under the debris.
Israeli Raids in the West Bank
Israeli troops have also conducted raids in the occupied West Bank, specifically in Jenin, resulting in the deaths of 12 Palestinians in just three days. One youth was even shot dead at a hospital. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called on the Biden administration to take concrete steps towards a two-state solution and apply pressure on Israel.
International Response
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has rejected statements by Israel’s ambassador in London, who claimed that her country does not want a two-state solution. Sunak reiterated the UK’s support for a two-state solution and expressed concern for the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Escalation at the Lebanese Border
In addition to the conflict in Gaza, Israeli artillery shelling has intensified in Lebanese border towns where Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, is active. War correspondents have reported the use of phosphorus bombs by the Israeli army in the shelling of Khiam’s outskirts.
Conclusion
As the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, the Gaza Strip remains in a dire situation. With internet and telephone services cut off, communication is severely limited for the already suffering population. The international community has expressed growing concern over Israel’s actions, with calls for a two-state solution and pressure on Israel to end the violence. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with countless lives lost and infrastructure destroyed. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.