Gaza City – The United Nations sounded the alarm on Thursday over a total internet blackout across the Gaza Strip, attributing the disruption to damage likely caused by ongoing Israeli military operations. The communications collapse has paralyzed humanitarian efforts and cut off lifelines to millions of civilians, reported the Reuters.
According to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, the blackout has disconnected emergency services, disrupted humanitarian coordination, and left Gaza’s besieged population without access to vital information. “There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning,” Haq said at a press briefing. “In a context already limited by physical access restrictions and widespread damage, emergency services are cut off, and civilians cannot access life-saving support.”
The Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) had earlier confirmed that both internet and fixed-line communication services were severed due to escalating air and ground strikes. In response, desperate residents in Gaza have been spotted attempting to connect to the internet using eSIMs at locations like the seaport of Gaza City—scenes that reflect both resilience and isolation.
The blackout has come at a time when aid agencies are already struggling to reach those in need amid border closures, supply shortages, and bombardment. With Gaza’s digital lifelines severed, humanitarian coordination has become nearly impossible, and international observers fear an even deeper descent into crisis.
The situation is part of a broader escalation in the region, with increasing Israeli strikes and widespread destruction fueling global concern. The internet and mobile outage have also effectively silenced many voices in Gaza, making it harder for the outside world to monitor conditions on the ground.
Human rights groups and aid organizations are calling for immediate restoration of communication lines and an urgent ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian relief and protect civilian lives.
