Telephone and internet communications return to the Gaza Strip after cutoff

After two days without any cellular or internet service in Gaza amid a heavy Israeli bombardment, communications systems were restored on Sunday. According to several Palestinian media outlets, telephone and internet communications are returning gradually to the Gaza Strip. Paltel Group, which provides communications services in Gaza, also stated that landline, mobile, and internet services were progressively restored after the disruption by the ‘ongoing aggression.’

Paltel Group added in an official statement: ‘Our technical teams are diligently addressing the damage to the internal network infrastructure under challenging conditions.’ A SkyNews producer on the ground explained that they have had no contact with the Israeli side, so it is unclear why the connection returned. In that sense, it is also unclear under what circumstances it might be cut off again. There is speculation that the main factor for the restoration of communications was international pressure. Nevertheless, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continued overnight, while Palestinian factions in Gaza fired more rockets into Israel, the BBC reported.

Why does it matter?

This communications blackout is particularly concerning, as humanitarian groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have warned it could be used as a cover for war crimes.