Israel Opposes Rebuilding Gaza’s Internet Access Because Terrorists Could Go Online
A recent proposal at the United Nations International Telecommunication Union summit aimed at rebuilding Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure faced opposition from Israel. The resolution drafted by Saudi Arabia sought to restore internet access to the war-torn Gaza Strip, but Israel raised concerns about Hamas potentially using the internet as a weapon.
The resolution passed after undergoing modifications to remove references to Israel’s responsibility for the destruction in Gaza. The U.S. delegate at the summit also opposed the original language of the resolution. Israel criticized the proposal, stating that it failed to address Hamas’s use of the internet for terrorist activities and called for safeguards to prevent such misuse.
Marwa Fatafta, a policy adviser with Access Now, criticized Israel’s stance, highlighting that denying internet access punishes the entire civilian population for the actions of a single faction. The Israeli Ministry of Communications did not provide a comment on the matter.
Getting Gaza Back Online
The focus of discussions at the ITU summit was on restoring internet connectivity in Gaza, which has been severely impacted by Israel’s bombardment. The destruction of infrastructure has left Gaza disconnected, posing challenges for communication and access to essential services.
The passed resolution aims to provide support to Palestine for rebuilding its telecommunication sector. It acknowledges the urgent need to address the destruction of critical infrastructure and telecom services in Gaza. The resolution also condemns obstacles preventing the use of new communication technologies in the region.
The U.S. delegate expressed reservations about the resolution, particularly its characterization of Israel’s role in hindering Gaza’s internet access. While the U.S. did not confirm its vote on the resolution, it played a role in toning down the language that directly implicated Israel.
Outdated Technology
The approved resolution calls for efforts to preserve existing telecom infrastructure in Palestine and allocate funds for future communication initiatives in Gaza. It includes plans to activate 4G and 5G cellular services in the region. Currently, Gazans rely on outdated 2G technology, limiting their access to modern communication tools.
Fatafta highlighted that upgrading Gaza’s telecom infrastructure is crucial to bring it in line with global standards. The reliance on obsolete technology poses security risks and allows for surveillance and censorship by external entities.
Moving Forward
The resolution marks a significant step towards rebuilding Gaza’s internet access and enhancing communication capabilities in the region. It underscores the importance of modernizing telecommunication infrastructure to meet the needs of the population and prevent security vulnerabilities.
As efforts continue to improve Gaza’s connectivity, stakeholders must address concerns related to security and ensure that internet access benefits the civilian population. By investing in advanced technologies and safeguarding against misuse, Gaza can overcome its current challenges and move towards a more connected future.
In conclusion, the resolution passed at the ITU summit represents a positive development for Gaza’s telecommunications sector. By addressing issues related to infrastructure destruction and outdated technology, stakeholders can work towards rebuilding Gaza’s internet access and promoting connectivity in the region.