Internet and telecommunications services have reportedly been cut off in Gaza.
According to Paltel, the firm that runs communications in Gaza, all internet services have once again been cut off. It comes just days after phone lines were reconnected in the region.
A Paltel spokesman said: “We regret to announce a complete interruption of all communications and internet services with the Gaza Strip, due to international routes that were previously reconnected being cut off again. May God protect you and protect our country.”
Over the weekend the area was without internet services for over a day. At the time concerns were raised about how long restored services would remain on.
Previously human rights organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch warned cutting off communications could mask crimes and other abuses. It prompted billionaire Elon Musk to offer his Starlink satellite internet service to “internationally recognised aid organisations” in Gaza.
The internet was cut off on Tuesday just after an airstrike killed at least 50 people – rumoured to include a Hamas commander – at a refugee camp. Israeli troops have also clashed with Hamas on the ground.
Pictures from the Strip showed infantry and armoured vehicles streaming across the border before bombarding the jihadists’ network of underground tunnels.
Large swathes of the territory were under blankets of thick smoke with rubble smouldering after heavy Israeli jet and artillery bombardment.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Lt Col Richard Hecht said: “We are striking in all parts of the Gaza Strip.”
The conflict in Gaza has continued for over three weeks now since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7. The Gaza health ministry – controlled by Hamas – says over 8,000 people have died in the region.
While over 1,400 people are believed to have died in Israel.
