The families outside of Gaza tried to reach their loved ones in Gaza with concerns about the strikes that happened there due to the non-stop and intensified Israeli airstrikes but failed due to telecommunication and internet service cutoffs. The civilians have been struggling to get assistance and reach out to the organizations due to the communication problem.
In the middle of that, a campaign using the hashtag #starlinkforgaza are used across social media platforms to get Elon Musk solve the issue with Starlink internet. The hashtag is getting more widespread due to a reply by Elon Musk on his Twitter (X) account saying that Starlink, a satellite internet system, would provide connectivity to recognized international aid in Gaza.
The reply was made to a statement by the US activist and representative for New York’s 14th congressional district, Alexandria Ocacio-Cortez, pointing out her frustration with how the communication disruption made to the people in Gaza is unacceptable and that it endangered the people there. She also mentioned that this practice has previously been denounced by the US.
However, Elon’s statement does not last that long. In less than 12 hours, Elon made another response, saying that there is still no attempt to connect a Starlink terminal from Gaza, to a post by an Israeli individual who said that his organization would cut ties with Starlink in order to be against Elon’s statement to provide internet to Gaza. The reply brings disappointment to the pro-Palestinian campaigners, while at the same time it brings relief to the pro-Israel individuals.
Starlink’s support for the people in Gaza is still unknown, since Elon will be conducting a security check with both the US and Israeli governments before taking any actions to connect from Gaza.
As for the condition of the people in Gaza, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on its Twitter (X) account, they are still in an endangered situation with the extreme tension due to the intense strikes, along with the absence of fuel, water, electricity, and shelter for safety from the strikes. They also added that they need a lot of health supplies because the hospital is overwhelmed with patients. WHO also declared, “We call again for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, protection of health facilities and humanitarian workers, sustained connectivity, and to work towards lasting peace.”
